TIRANA, Oct 21 /ATA- By Maela Marini/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Tuesday that Albania would accept European Union membership without veto power, as long as the EU itself undergoes internal reform.
Speaking at a panel hosted by Chatham House in London on “The Western Balkans and the European Union,” PM Rama emphasized the need to rethink the EU’s enlargement model, arguing that aspiring members should not be left in limbo until full accession is granted.
“I’ve always advocated that the EU accession process cannot be ‘all or nothing’ – where until you become a full member, you gain nothing,” Rama said.
The government head underlined the disparity in EU financial contributions, pointing out that neighboring EU member states receive around EUR 4,500 per capita, while Albania receives only EUR 160-170 per capita in EU assistance.
Rama acknowledged frustrations within the EU, particularly among larger member states, about the current decision-making system requiring consensus among 27 members.
The Premier said EU member states have long been open to offering a “differentiated” membership status to candidate countries, one that excludes voting and veto rights, on the condition that the EU reforms itself.
“For a long time now, they’ve said that accepting us as members without voting or veto rights would be welcomed – while the EU reforms itself,” Rama said. “I don’t know when that will happen, because EU reform has been a buzzword for decades, and changing mechanisms is difficult.”
Rama added that Albania would fully agree to such a proposal.
“When it comes to aligning with EU foreign policy, we’ve always felt entitled to express our own views. But when it comes to decisions, we are aligned and coordinated,” he said.
/j.p/u.sh/
