Balla pays official visit to Germany / Meeting with Michael Roth: Albania has met all the conditions set by the EU for holding the first Intergovernmental Conference

Balla, who heads the delegation from the Albanian Parliament, was received by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth.

During the meeting, Balla and Roth discussed the process of European integration of Albania, where the emphasis was on the immediate holding of the First Intergovernmental Conference with Albania, which has long met all the conditions set by the EU.

Also during the meeting, Balla and Roth discussed the new geopolitical context and Russian aggression against Ukraine, which impose a closer relationship with the countries of the Western Balkans.

In a statement after meeting with Balla, Roth reiterated the clear and credible European perspective for Albania and other Western Balkan countries.

Michael Roth’s full statement:

I am very grateful that I welcomed my friends from Albania and that they gave me the opportunity to emphasize the clear and credible European perspective for Albania and other countries of the Western Balkans.
I am not very happy with the latest developments because the European Union has lost credibility in the region. It is time to start membership talks with Albania and Northern Macedonia as soon as possible. This is my message not only to our friends and partners in Albania, but also to our friends and colleagues in Brussels and I hope that with the French Presidency of the Council we have a real opportunity to keep our promises again.

We are aware of the important positive developments in the region, as everyone knows that much remains to be done, but Albania is ready. For the EU, a clear and credible European perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans is not only in the interest of the countries of the Western Balkans, but also in our interest because the European perspective is one of the most attractive mechanisms for stabilization, peace and democratization. region and these countries, in particular Albania belong to the EU. For this reason I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to hold very productive talks with colleagues honored by the Albanian parliament.

Journalist: Do you think that the war in Ukraine will hinder the negotiation process with Albania and Northern Macedonia?
The war in Ukraine is a very, very big tragedy and she stresses that the EU must take more responsibility for peace and stability across Europe. It means not only in Eastern Europe but also in the Western Balkans. This is an obligation for us. And if we forward an invitation to Ukraine does not mean that we are no longer interested in continuing our relations with Albania and other Western Balkan countries.

Journalist: But this aspect slows down the process?
Roth: No no. Our friends in the Western Balkans waited too long, too long. We need to speed up negotiations because if the EU is not visible, active and vocal enough other authoritarian regimes will fill the vacuum. This means the Russians in particular in Serbia, China or Turkey and this is absolutely not in the German interest or in the European interest. Thank you.

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