Before concluding his official visit in Paris, the Albanian Prime
Minister, Edi Rama, gave an interview for Radio France International,
where he was asked if there was reason to hope that Albania’s EU
candidate status would be granted this fourth time.
“Nothing can be really predictable with the Europe of today, but I am optimistic, because we did what there was to be done. We requested the status in December, but as you mentioned, the Council declared it was too early, probably because at that time the government had only three months in power. Although they reiterated even by then that the work done was impressive. They concluded again that more time was needed. That’s why the Commission was asked to show a report for June, to confirm if this work had continued or not, especially in the fight against organized crime and corruption. The Commission published the report a few days ago, which was very positive. The reason that was not told, were the European elections. Now that the elections are over, I hope that they will push harder for Europe, and not for fewer Europe”, Rama declared.
How will the success of anti-European parties in France and Great Britain influence the decision?
“We don’t have a very fast enlargement pace, but a lack of reforms in the Union, the lack of more courage and good will to realize the vision of the founding fathers, the United States of Europe. We need a more political Europe, and not a Europe that is being withheld by being tactical and with many elections in various countries”, Rama declared.
Rama was asked about the meeting with the French president, if he believed that he had his support, since France has been against the candidate status in the past.
“I am very satisfied about the way how the French President welcomed us, and how he was very careful in hearing what we had to say, and how he is concerned about the future of Balkan, where the first World War erupted 100 years ago. 100 years later, in 2014, we are living the first year of peace and without any conflict, because we have all decided to join Europe”, Rama declared.
Did he openly express his support, or was he less explicit?
“I prefer to wait for the summit where the decision will be taken. This is an undergoing work and it is not only about France. There are many other countries that need to reach a conclusion, and that’s why we need more time”, Rama declared.
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