No free ticked for the EU

30/06/2012 00:00

The Danish Minister of European Matters, whose country is closing the
six-month presidency of the EU, declares that there will be no free
ticked for Albania’s EU membership, hence the country must realize the
reforms and progress.

He appeals the political class to cooperate to fulfill the recommendations.

Top Channel: The Danish presidency started and ended without any good news for Albania. Which were the reasons?

Nicolai Wammen, The Danish Minister for European Matters, the EU Presidency: I believe that the Danish approach in Albania has been very clear. We want for Albania to have progress and to complete the reform. We welcome your country in the EU path, but there are no free tickets for the EU membership, and Albania still needs too much to be done. This was the message that was given a few days ago, and it remains valid until the last day of the Danish presidency.

Top Channel: Did Albania follow the advices and messages that were given during the visit on May? Did we pass the democracy test with the election of the President?

Nicolai Wammen: The new President was elected according to the rules of the Albanian Constitution, but at the same time he was voted by a very narrow majority. For this reason, it is extremely important that the president and the entire leadership of Albania must choose the unification of the political parties in the country, so that Albania can unite and progress. This is a big responsibility for all parteis, and this is also the message of the Danish Presidency.

Top Channel: Do you expect Albania to receive the candidate status before 2013, when the country will be tested again for free and honest elections?

Nicolai Wammen: It is mostly up to Albania to show the progress that is needed. The Albanian politicians have a very great responsibility. The rest of Europe, including the European Union, will follow the developments very closely, and I believe that now it is Albania’s turn to act.

Prepared by: Arta Tozaj

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