TIRANA, April 30 /ATA/ In his remarks at the IDU Forum in Zagreb, the Chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, stated that Albania’s EU accession process must be merit-based. He also highlighted several obstacles which, in his view, are impeding the country’s progress toward this objective.
Berisha underscored that Albanian support for integration into the European Union and NATO remains at consistently high levels. However, he contended that the integration process has become increasingly uncertain and subject to delays due to internal factors.
In his view, the European Union accession is all about a broader scope of rights for citizens, greater individual freedoms, the consolidation of the rule of law, as well as increased prosperity and security.
“The process of Albania’s integration into the European Union has become uncertain and is increasingly hindered by internal factors. In my view, and that of my party—speaking on behalf of the opposition—European integration signifies a wider scope of human rights and freedoms guaranteed to our citizens, a functioning rule of law, as well as increased prosperity and security.”
Albania’s EU accession process must be firmly anchored in merit. Only a merit‑driven approach—as exemplified by this great nation that stands as a model of success—can truly advance the interests of the Albanian people. At present, I regard electoral autocracy as the main barrier to Albania’s EU integration,” Berisha asserted.
Berisha went on saying that “Albania is the only narco‑state in Europe.” Furthermore, the chairman of the Democratic Party asserted that integration is impeded by “highly unusual initiatives, such as the Belgrade–Tirana project, which runs counter to the trajectory of EU accession.”
He emphasized: “I believe the process must be merit‑based; however, the impediments are both domestic and regional in nature.”
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