“High prices, a consequence of the war” / Vice President of the European Commission: Russia is using them as weapons

Josep Borell: I know that you have encountered very big concerns and in fact in the minds of all citizens are the increase of prices and not only in Albania this. The war has created a very big disruption in the world economy. It is a process that has started with the increase of prices before, of energy, oil, fuel, gas, which is a consequence of the dependence that we have all over the economic and world world, so it is an interdependence of all of us it is already becoming much clearer, as Russia is using it as a weapon. This is not just an issue that concerns only Albania or is it a consequence of sanctions. It is a consequence of the war. Consequence of the export ban, the rise in prices of products that affect all of us here in Europe, in the Western Balkans, in North Africa, everywhere.

He illustrated this situation with an example from his country of origin Spain.

Josep Borell: I for example am paying the energy bill in Spain. 50 euros used to be, while now the previous unit has gone to 500 euros. This has happened all over Europe. Electricity prices have risen at least sixfold. Diesel, the fuel he uses for the car in Brussels is more than 2 euros per liter. So 20% increase has been. I can mention the same figures for food, food products but I am sorry to say that it will be a phenomenon that will affect the poorest countries in the world.

Prime Minister Edi Rama asked the Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, not to forget the Western Balkans in the face of the electricity crisis.

Edi Rama: If the European Union has a plan to support the countries, whether to cope with the energy crisis, which is, as we talked about, the worst part of the crisis, or to cope with the other consequences of the war, not to leave the Western Balkans out. , as they left it when they made the first vaccine distribution scheme.

After saying that he had taken note of this request, Josep Borrell stated that despite the EU assistance, the biggest burden of the crisis should be borne by yourself.

Josep Borell: Of course, this plan will definitely include the Western Balkans, but do not think that it will be an economic plan to respond to any possible challenges overnight. We are opening our economic and financial capacities to respond to this crisis, which is not only an issue for Albania, but it is an issue for Brussels and for a very big interruption created by the war in the world economic and financial circles.

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