{"id":83792,"date":"2026-04-10T15:43:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T13:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/euronews.al\/en\/?p=83792"},"modified":"2026-04-10T15:42:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T13:42:50","slug":"interview-of-the-ambassador-of-the-european-union-to-albania-silvio-gonzato-for-euronews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/euronews.al\/en\/interview-of-the-ambassador-of-the-european-union-to-albania-silvio-gonzato-for-euronews\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview of the Ambassador of the European Union to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, for Euronews"},"content":{"rendered":"

Journalist: <\/span><\/strong>I’m in the TV studio with the Ambassador of the European Union in our country, Mr. Silvio Gonzato. Z. Ambasador, thank you for joining us. I would like to start with a question that every Albanian asks, although we hear at the news every day, and political parties give their versions too. But I would like to know from you, at what point are we with the EU integration process?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador: <\/span><\/strong>I think<\/span> we are<\/span> at a very crucial time in the negotiations between the European Union and Albania. It’s a time when we assess whether Albania is on the right track\u00a0in the compliance with the so-called fundamentals of the European Union,\u00a0which are the principles relating to the rule of law, to the justice system,\u00a0to the fight against corruption. And the Commission has made a technical assessment.\u00a0The Commission has made a report, that gives a positive assessment of the way in which Albania has complied\u00a0with some standards that were set out by the Member States.\u00a0When the Member States decided to open the negotiations,\u00a0they also said, we want Albania to comply with a number of requirements,\u00a0which we called interim requirements, because they are not the final thing,\u00a0it’s not the final stage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We want Albania to comply with these requirements\u00a0before we start closing chapters. Closing a chapter means regarding this policy, Albania has fully complied\u00a0or has only partly complied in which case we give them a transitionary period.\u00a0The Commission has tabled the report,\u00a0but this is the Commission position,\u00a0because we are talking about different institutions. The Commission on one side, and the Council on the other,\u00a0is made up of Member States.\u00a0The ball now is with the EU Member States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And they’ve had a series of meetings, looking both at the assessment,\u00a0but also what is very important (and I don’t think people realize it now)\u00a0is that what they are discussing now is also what the closing benchmarks will be. Isthe interim benchmarks what you have to do now,\u00a0but they also have to decide these are the standards\u00a0and the requirements you have to fulfill for us to close this cluster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist:<\/span> <\/strong>Sure, I understand<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>And as you know, this cluster is the one\u00a0that determines the end of the negotiations,\u00a0because we only close it when everything else has been done,\u00a0because of the importance of the rule of law and justice\u00a0for the accession process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> However, the media has reported that nine European Union Member States have blocked the progress of the process called IBAR, a process that examines Albania’s progress to date. The media even mentions the names of these countries, which are Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Poland, Greece, and Bulgaria, countries that according to the media are not yet convinced that it is time to give Albania the green light. What is the relationship between these countries, how much influence do these countries have, and is it true that all nine of these countries are skeptical about the further progress of the process?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>First, this is a process where we need to reach consensus.\u00a0The sequencing of meetings is aimed at creating consensus amongst Member States. And the Commission is there to answer questions,\u00a0to respond to critical points that Member States might raise and provide the information that they want in order to be confirmed\u00a0or perhaps corrected in their perception of things.\u00a0There is a lot of speculation about what is happening now\u00a0in the so-called COELA, the Council Working Group on Enlargement.\u00a0And I frankly don’t want to enter into that.<\/span><\/p>\n

These are confidential negotiations,\u00a0and we should allow that space to be respected.\u00a0What is certain is that the meetings are continuing.\u00a0There’s another one scheduled,\u00a0so it means that the negotiations are going on. I don’t think we can talk about blockages.\u00a0There is, of course, a discussion that is taking place.\u00a0Member States looked at the technical assessment by the Commission,\u00a0but they also want to look at the overall political context\u00a0in which these reforms have taken place.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is not a question of some Member States blocking others,\u00a0having a different opinion.\u00a0It’s simply a question of them discussing the situation,\u00a0assessing the situation, asking questions to the Commission,\u00a0and then also deciding what will go in the common position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And the common position is about the closing benchmarks. So that’s why the discussion is not like \u201cthe Commission comes with a report\u00a0and they decide yes or no\u201d.\u00a0No, it takes time, because they have to decide\u00a0what kind of requirements we want to put at the end of the process,\u00a0to make sure that these reforms are anchored in the Albanian system\u00a0and they are sustainable, they can’t be reversed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> You say there can’t be any blockage there, but may there be a separation of the process, e.g., with Montenegro, may there be a separation of the process for Albania, to be to another category in the progress of the integration process?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>To be honest, I\u2019ve never heardthat there was a coupling between Montenegro and Albania. They’ve been described as front-runners\u00a0because Albania has made so much progress last year\u00a0in opening chapters and has been catching up with Montenegro.\u00a0In fact, if you look at the situation now,\u00a0at the different candidate countries, indeed they are at the front.\u00a0But I don’t think there’s ever been discussion of them being coupled together.And we keep on repeating that the process is merit-based.\u00a0Each country is assessed based on its own performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>Starting from the merit that each country must demonstrate in meeting expectations, and then to be discussed both in COELA and among the Member States of the European Union. Is the further course of politics in relation to the justice system an issue that hinders the progress of the integration process, or does it not interfere with this process?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>When Member States look at a country\u2019s situation, they look at the overall country; they look at the systemic issues; they don\u2019t look at the individual cases. Individual cases can be symptomatic of a situation.\u00a0But what we are looking at here is the systemic issue. And I think, on the positive side,\u00a0we can say that SPAK and the special courts have been doing an amazing job\u00a0in terms of fighting impunity, in terms of fighting organized crime,\u00a0which is something that is particularly worrisome for some Member States,\u00a0particularly those in Northern Europe, for example. So that’s the kind of analysis that Member States are doing.\u00a0It’s not just of a specific case.\u00a0It’s looking at how does the system in Albania work\u00a0and how does it perform in addressing these challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>A tense relationship between politics and the new justice, SPAK, does it affect the integration process?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>Tensions can be positive, because if you’re talking about tensions\u00a0between the executive on the one hand and the judiciary on the other,\u00a0but them being independent of each other, that’s almost normal, I would say.\u00a0If you look at debates in other European countries,\u00a0you always find politicians sometimes criticizing the judiciary,\u00a0the judiciary pushing back, etc.\u00a0I’m not concerned about that. I think it’s part of a dialogue that has to take place,\u00a0because after the reform, the justice reform which took place in 2016,\u00a0we are 10 years after, there might be things that need to be addressed\u00a0in terms of providing greater safeguards for the rights of the defendants, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is worrying is when the discourse switches to personal attacks,\u00a0personal and direct attacks against some members of the judiciary,\u00a0because that has a different value in a way.\u00a0It’s a way of intimidating, it’s a way of trying to exercise influence,\u00a0it’s sometimes a way of undermining the credibility\u00a0of some of the members of the judiciary,\u00a0and that’s something that we do not value positively, obviously. For us, it’s certainly something that should not be done.\u00a0But again, a constructive dialogue aimed at improving the performance\u00a0of the justice system to make it more accountable to citizens,\u00a0because, before I was talking about SPAK, but the ordinary justice system\u00a0suffers from a lot of delays, backlog, citizens don’t really see justice,\u00a0they don’t have access to justice that they deserve.\u00a0A discussion on those issues is perfectly justified\u00a0and is one in which we are ready to engage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> Do you have information that SPAK representatives may have been threatened, intimidated, beyond words mentioned by the media? Do you have any such information?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0No, I\u2019m not going to refer to any specific threats or intimidation. Actually, I think that they demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of some of the attacks, some of the insinuations also moved against them. So, I think that’s a positive signal.\u00a0It means that they are sufficiently confident that they are independent\u00a0and that they can resist this kind of attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> Is the year 2030 an achievable goal for Albania to be part of the European Union?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>I was saying that we are at a critical point.\u00a0It’s a moment where Albania must convince Member States\u00a0of its determination to carry out the reforms.\u00a0And it’s a critical point also because it’s a window of opportunity. There is willingness on the European side to consider, you know,\u00a0additional Member States joining the European Union.\u00a0And this is a train that cannot be missed.\u00a0And that’s why I think it’s also important that we give\u00a0a very critical assessment of the situation in this country,\u00a0but at the same time that all political forces see this\u00a0as a national objective and rally under it, you know. I keep on saying that the European integration process\u00a0cannot be the prerogative of the majority.\u00a0It has to be a bipartisan process owned by all parties\u00a0and owned by the whole of society.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> Meanwhile the opposition calls for protest to overthrow the government. It is an internal political war between parties. Do this climate and this way of doing politics by the Albanian opposition help the process?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>First of all, I\u2019d like to emphasize the fact that I have a very healthy discussion and dialogue with the opposition. Again, I have spent a lot of personal energy to ensure that they were granted the space that they deserve in a democratic society, in a democratic parliament. I stepped in to ensure that the process in the two key committees\u00a0that have been established, the one on territorial reform\u00a0and electoral reform, that the space there is guaranteed\u00a0for the opposition.\u00a0And when it comes also to demonstrations, I think demonstrations\u00a0are a democratic right, you know, in every country.\u00a0What I think should not be condoned is the use of violence\u00a0because you can’t ask to be heard in the parliament\u00a0and then exercise violence outside. I think we really need to ensure that they are given this space\u00a0in parliament. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And in this respect, I was a bit upset to see that several proposals\u00a0that the opposition has put forward in terms, for example,\u00a0of inquiry committees, have been rejected outright by the majority.\u00a0I think some of these requests could be considered. It’s an opportunity to look critically at some of the issues\u00a0that are dominating the public debate these days,\u00a0giving the parliament also the role of keeping the government accountable.\u00a0That’s what parliament is about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> How is the government working on the integration process?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>I think the government has set itself this goal,\u00a0this very ambitious plan to finish the negotiations in 2027\u00a0and, you know, and accession to the EU in 2030. I’ve met an incredible amount of dedicated people to this goal.\u00a0They really work day and night for it.\u00a0The Chief Negotiator, the Deputy Chief Negotiator\u00a0are extremely knowledgeable.They are tough negotiators, but I think they’re doing their job\u00a0very, very well, and that is appreciated by Brussels.\u00a0What we need to look at into now is to make sure\u00a0that this is accompanied by a strengthening\u00a0of the administrative capacity of Albania.\u00a0What I mean by that is that you can adopt very good laws,\u00a0but if these laws are not properly implemented,\u00a0then you do not achieve the goal of changing the reality\u00a0on the ground and improving also the life of citizens. We need to help Albania develop a public administration that is really up to the job,\u00a0that is neutral, that is competent, that is professional.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>Do you think there is a possibility for Albania to join with non-complete rights in 2030?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>The plan is for Albania to carry out the reforms fully,\u00a0to implement them fully,\u00a0and to become a fully-fledged Member State. I know there’s a lot of speculation aboutdifferent types of memberships.\u00a0This is a discussion which is going on in Brussels.\u00a0I’m not going to try and repeat it here,\u00a0but in the case of Albania, we should stick to plan A.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>Which means that all clusters must be fulfilled for Albania to become a full member.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>Exactly, yes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> So, there will be no annex saying that we can be with non-complete rights and then think whether we can join?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>I don’t think this is on the table.\u00a0There’s been something that Commissioner Kos mentioned\u00a0some time ago, notably that what Member States\u00a0will want to see in the Treaty of Accession,\u00a0(because once you finish the negotiations,\u00a0you negotiate the Treaty that basically allows Albania to join),\u00a0what they want to see in this Treaty is some guarantees\u00a0that there will be no backsliding\u00a0in rule of law and democracy.That’s something that definitely we will see\u00a0in the Treaty of Accession.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> Mr. Ambassador, you have often been under the pressure of personal attacks. What\u2019s your comment on these attacks against you?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>I would make a distinction between personal attacks,\u00a0which concern my private life, my sexual orientation.\u00a0There I can only say one thing. \u00a0There are people whose only way\u00a0of crawling out of oblivion,\u00a0anoblivion they’ve been relegated to\u00a0because they’re no longer relevant,\u00a0their only way to get out of that is to make offensive remarks.Because nowadays, unfortunately,\u00a0this kind of attitude triggers reactions\u00a0and so makes them relevant again.\u00a0I frankly have no time for them.\u00a0I’m really not concerned. I don’t have anything to say to them.\u00a0I’m fine with myself,\u00a0and I don’t need to justify myself in any way.\u00a0When people criticize my professional competence,\u00a0when they say that I’m not doing my job properly…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>That you are Edi Rama’s defence lawyer in the European Union \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>Exactly. I think all I can say is that the European Union institutions\u00a0have clearly stated that they have full trust in my capacity\u00a0and in my judgment.\u00a0What is also more important is that my colleagues,\u00a0the Member States Ambassadors here in Tirana\u00a0and those resident in other countries,\u00a0they have full trust also in my judgment.\u00a0And on a more personal note,\u00a0I have to say I’ve met so many Albanian people\u00a0who told me that I’m doing a good job,\u00a0and I can tell you I’m fine with that. That’s enough. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> Let’s talk again about domestic politics. There are some important reforms that the Albanian parliament must develop and then implement. Among them, the electoral reform, which you mentioned before. What is your opinion, should the small parties be heard, should the Electoral Code formula change, should we have a new formula in the next elections? What is your opinion?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>I\u2019m glad you mentioned the electoral reform because this for me is a very important point. That\u2019s why we also told the two co-chairs, Mr. Bylykbashi and Mr. Gjiknuri, that we want to provide expertise to help them with this job and ensure that it is a consensus-based result that they achieve.\u00a0Elections are a key moment\u00a0in the democratic life of a country\u00a0and a real sign of the democratic maturity of a country. They are very important\u00a0under the so-called fundamentals cluster.\u00a0The work that has been done today is crucial.\u00a0You probably remember the remarks made by OSCE\/ODIHR\u00a0when they talked about several problems,\u00a0but in particular the lack of a level playing field,\u00a0the abuse of public resources,\u00a0the situation with the online media,\u00a0and the lack of transparency in campaign financing. All these things have to be addressed.\u00a0And it’s not just a question of the Electoral Code,\u00a0the formula which is used,\u00a0although that’s also important.\u00a0I think, if you want to achieve a situation\u00a0where there is no imbalance\u00a0between the incumbent party and the opposition parties,\u00a0you have to ensure that the public administration\u00a0is also neutral.<\/span><\/p>\n

And that’s why the work that the government is doing\u00a0in relation to the Civil Service Law, is very important,\u00a0because it’s about creating a professional administration\u00a0which is independent, which is accountable, of course,\u00a0but is not politically steered.\u00a0That has an important impact\u00a0also for the electoral environment.\u00a0But when it comes to small parties,\u00a0I think they have to be given an opportunity\u00a0to put forward their views,\u00a0and their concerns and needs\u00a0should be taken into account\u00a0when the parties decide\u00a0what kind of formula they want to go for,\u00a0because pluralism is essential for a democratic society. Having a plurality of voices in the parliament,\u00a0I think, can only improve the situation,\u00a0it can only contribute to Albania’s progress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> In your opinion and based on your experience, is there a healthy pluralism Albania?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>I would say that the situation currently is stagnant.\u00a0You don’t see any new voices emerging\u00a0or very few and they are extremely marginalized.\u00a0If I compare the situation here\u00a0with other European countries, or the country I know best,\u00a0we’ve seen new faces coming up,\u00a0and I think that’s also healthy, that’s always healthy. That’s why the electoral reform is important.\u00a0It has to create an environment\u00a0that can foster this kind of dynamic political life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> Do you think the time has come for the two major parties to have new faces leading them?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>Ah, now you’re asking too much. I\u2019m a diplomat, I’m not a politician.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> What is the most important cluster for Albania for the process of integration into the Union European?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>Obviously the fundamentals,\u00a0the rule of law, justice, and fundamental rights.\u00a0I would then say environment is one of the most challenging ones\u00a0for Albania, where we need a lot of work. We will provide also a lot of support,\u00a0we have many projects in this respect.\u00a0Food safety is another concern, where Albania needs to acquire the necessary know-how.\u00a0And I would also say agriculture. And then of course, as a red thread,\u00a0administrative capacity.\u00a0Build up a strong public administration\u00a0that can ensure that these reforms are implemented properly. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has stated that it is undergoing a process of accrediting new procedures and awaiting the completion of a financing agreement with the European Commission for the IPARD 3 program. I quoted it just to be correct. What does this mean specifically? When can this program start?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>It is true that the Albanian government\u00a0has presented a request to the European Commission\u00a0to be entrusted with the management of the funds. Which means we are not managing them,\u00a0we give the management of these funds\u00a0to the Albanian government.\u00a0And also in light of the experience of the past,\u00a0the Commission has asked to be given serious guarantees,\u00a0also in terms of auditing system,\u00a0that the funds will be managed properly,\u00a0in accordance with the rules.\u00a0Because we are talking about European taxpayers’ money. And we expect the Albanian government\u00a0to take this very seriously.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We are now at the stage where the Commission is checking\u00a0whether the Albanian government\u00a0is providing sufficient safeguards in this respect.\u00a0And from where I see it now,\u00a0I think it will take several months\u00a0before we come to the actual entrustment of the funds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> So, it’s a matter of months before you reach a decision on these funds?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/span><\/strong>: Yes, for sure. It will take time. It\u2019s not for tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> The last question, which of course concerns the recent developments in Albania, SPAK, NBI \u2013 international investments, as we always say. What is your opinion on these two bodies, how are they working, how is their performance?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>They enjoy my full support. I think that they’ve done an incredible job\u00a0in challenging circumstances.\u00a0You know, people, when they talk about SPAK,\u00a0perhaps they talk only about the corruption cases,\u00a0but we should look also at the fantastic work they’re doing\u00a0in terms of fighting organized crime.\u00a0And that is a very dangerous type of job. You’re exposed to the risk also\u00a0of threats and violence.\u00a0That’s why we are also providing a lot of support to them,\u00a0because we want them to strengthen their capacity,\u00a0for example, in the area of financial investigations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We also want them to strengthen their procedures,\u00a0their internal procedures,\u00a0so that they provide safeguards to the rights of defendants,\u00a0so that the procedures that they follow are impeccable,\u00a0also from a human rights point of view. I know that now there’s work that is being done\u00a0by the government of Albania,\u00a0together with some experts from EU Member States,\u00a0with a view to revising certain aspects of the Criminal Procedural Code.\u00a0And there our position is very clear.\u00a0Obviously, anything that strengthens the safeguards of people is commendable and should be done.But this should not become an excuse to create obstacles\u00a0to the smooth running of investigations by SPAK and NBI.\u00a0This should not make it more difficult for them\u00a0to investigate cases of organized crime and corruption in Albania,\u00a0because that’s absolutely key for the accession process\u00a0and for the credibility of Albania.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>If Albania were a student who would be tested in an exam to join the European Union, which would be the subject matter for this weak student to focus more?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span> That\u2019s a difficult one. I know people say we have to do our homework, and it feels like you are treating Albania like a little pupil, and I am the teacher and I\u2019m telling you, have you done your homework, and you are not very good. And I don\u2019t like this kind of relationship. Albania is a sovereign country, and we are having a negotiation and of course it\u2019s a negotiation <\/span>sui generis<\/span>, because you have to apply the standards, and it\u2019s not that we can lower the standards in order to please you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fundamentals we talked about.\u00a0We talked about justice. And I think we really need to focus more on the ordinary justice system\u00a0that it delivers to citizens.\u00a0And the independent justice institutions,\u00a0the two councils, for example, really have to take seriously their job.\u00a0They have to live up to their responsibilities\u00a0and make sure that they formulate the requests necessary\u00a0to make the justice system perform efficiently. And we’re not there yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But if we look at other things,\u00a0maybe out of my personal culture,\u00a0I feel that Albania has not yet developed,\u00a0has not yet designed a development model\u00a0which is environmentally friendly.\u00a0And that’s critical for a country that has such beautiful nature,\u00a0mountains, and coastline. When it comes to tourism,\u00a0I think you really need to switch from this kind of intensive tourism\u00a0to tourism which is much more sustainable\u00a0from an environmental viewpoint.\u00a0That takes skills.\u00a0But there’s a lot of experience in our Member States\u00a0that can be used for that purpose. So maybe they can do more in that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>Corruption, organized crime are …<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>Of course, these are.\u00a0I don’t want to be the one that always says corruption and organized crime. Of course, this is a major obstacle. When you asked me at the beginning, what are the major issues in the accession process, these are the issues. But I also think that for the development of Albania, one has to look also at the sectors like, for example, the environment. Because the way it\u2019s developing, I see that it\u2019s aggravating some of the problems and it comes to a point where it is very difficult to reverse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>Mr. Ambassador, when are you leaving Albania, when will your mission here end?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span> I\u2019ll leave Albania at the end of August.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> At the end of August. How are you leaving Albania, what impressions has this country left on you?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span> I have lots of memories, beautiful memories and exciting moments. It\u2019s a bit difficult for me to summarize these three years, because they have been so intense. I was really thrilled to come to Albania, a country I knew but not that much. But a country I also felt so close to me culturally as an Italian. It has not disappointed me. It is also a country, I\u2019ve said from the beginning, whereyou never have a single dull day, there\u2019s always something happening.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>This is our speciality!<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span> Exactly. It is also a country where you should never take things at face value. You need to exercise a lot of judgment to try to understand, to decrypt, to see what are the motivations of the actors. So, from the intellectual viewpoint is extremely stimulating and on top of it all, I came at a point when we started the negotiations. So, I really had the feeling that I was helping this country move forward, and finally I realized its ambition, an ambition that started with the toppling of the communist regime, that of being in Europe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> The most beautiful city, the best cuisine, what is one specific Albanian thing that you will take with you even when you leave?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span> I\u2019m going to be in trouble now. Because the interpreter is from Gjirokastra, she expects me to say Gjirokastra but I also love Berat. In terms of cuisine I\u2019m not going to name the name, because otherwise they will say I\u2019m going to do publicity but there is a little agritourism outside Tirana where I love to go, for the food because it is what we Italians call \u201ckilometer zero\u201d (<\/span>chilometrozero)<\/span>, which is all produced locally, for the view, it\u2019s so peaceful, bucolic I would say, and also it reminds me of my childhood. You know, when on Sunday you would dress nicely and you would go to the restaurant. My family is from Verona, but my grandparents were in a little village outside Verona and so, there we would go to the trattoria, under the tress. So, these are the memories.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>Have you learned any Albanian words?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span> Yes, I\u2019ve learned a few Albanian words, but I was trained as a translator so for me languages are important. I did six months of Albanian, it was from one to two, twice a week, and of course I didn\u2019t have time to do my homework, so the teacher was saying you haven\u2019t learn the stuff, so it was becoming very stressful because I am very perfectionist and I like to master a language.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> I understand.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span> I know a few words and what I love now is that when I listen to people and I know what they are saying more or less, I can recognize the words. And one thing that I thought is that when I leave Albania, I might give it some time to actually learn the language because one big regret that I have is that I was never able to go to the theatre, watch a play in Albanian, and that\u2019s part of experiencing a country, you know, or reading a book.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> Obviously, it’s a difficult language, I’m sure they told you that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span> Very difficult. I\u2019m telling you, sometimes the teacher would say: are you doing this on purpose, why are you making it so difficult for me?<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>Of course, you will leave Albania, you will have your own perspective going forward, but in your memories and in your life, what place will Albania occupy?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>:<\/span> It will remain in my life. In full respect of the diplomatic rules, I think you\u2019ll see me again in Albania, for sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>: <\/span>With great pleasure. This time you will come as someone who loves Albania, to have a great time?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>Exactly. Yes, just as a private citizen, enjoying my friends, because I have a lot of friends here in Albania, and enjoying the cities, the landscape, maybe go hiking more than I did because I didn\u2019t do much and I love hiking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalist<\/strong>:<\/span> Mr. Ambassador, it was a pleasure talking with you. Thank you!<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador<\/strong>: <\/span>Thank you, it was very nice of you to have me! Thank you very much!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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