TIRANA, May 25 / ATA / – The Bundestag is expected to decide on the opening of EU accession negotiations with Albania in the first half of June, Sarah Wohlfeld writes on the think tank “German Association for Foreign Policy”.
A “No” from Berlin would not only destabilize Albania, but it would have a negative impact on the entire Western Balkans region – and thus run counter to the security interests of Germany. By contrast, a “Yes” would be a clear signal that Germany and the EU have praised Albania’s reform efforts – even though it still needs to overcome many obstacles.
The EU-Western Balkans Summit scheduled to take place in June in Sofia will play an important role for Albania’s future. Following the general remarks of the Heads of State and Government at the EU-Western Balkans meeting in May, it was reaffirmed the European perspective of the region as a whole, and then they will come to a decision on whether to open accession negotiations with Albania.
Based on unanimity, the European Commission will open the first negotiating chapters in the next few months. Before the EC vote, the German Bundestag must decide on this issue. Germany should reflect on the reform efforts of Albania and be in favor of accession negotiations with Tirana.
Problems with democracy and the rule of law
It is true that Albania still has many obstacles to overcome on its path towards the EU. While some progress has been made in the fight against corruption as well as the organized crime. The Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama gave high priority to the fight against organized crime groups, mainly being financed by drug trafficking.
In fact, a significant amount of cannabis growing in the areas was identified and destroyed last year.
Another problem is, the ongoing series on the political polarization between the government of Rama’s Socialist Party (SP) and the opposition, the Democratic Party (DP).
The country suffers from the lack of a political culture that accepts compromises not as a weakness but as a crucial element of the democracy.
Albania’s reform has attracted a valid criticism
Due to its geographical proximity and its close economic and social relations, the Balkans’ long-term instability, directly threatens German security interests.
Conflicts in the region brought new migration movements to Western Europe. For this reason, Germany should agree on the opening of negotiations, through continuous and structured talks with Tirana , to further promote Albania’s reform.
//a.i/
