The idea of an inclusive regional Schengen and the cooperation of the Western Balkan six, based on the four freedoms of the EU, is not a substitute but the best way to prepare for joining the EU, according to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
In an author's text for EURACTIV.com, Rama stated that the European Commission will host an international donor conference for Albania on Monday, where funds will be collected for the reconstruction of the country after the earthquake in November.
He pointed out that the EU is once again, after a quick reaction to the urgent needs after the earthquake, reacting generously to help the country facing serious reconstruction tasks.
He also said that in this case it is not only about reconstruction and construction, although the necessary support must be provided quickly and enable the 17.000 temporarily displaced Albanians to return to their safe homes as soon as possible.
"The purpose (of the donor conference) is to point out the unbreakable bond between the EU and Albania, which justifies the efforts to strengthen and improve our integration efforts," the Albanian Prime Minister pointed out.
He also said that some described last year's EU decision to postpone the opening of negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania as the end of an era and advised those countries to plan reforms outside the mantra of integration and enlargement.
Some pointed out that the failure to reach an agreement among EU members is a historical mistake that opens up space for competition from other powers in the Western Balkans.
However, according to him, there is no alternative to European integration for Albania.
"We must do our job, move forward with reforms and convince our European partners that we are doing everything to start accession negotiations now and be in the EU in the future," Rama wrote.
He also stated that he shares the opinion of European friends that an overhaul of the enlargement procedure is needed and that he welcomes the European Commission's proposal for a more credible and predictable enlargement process.
"A gradual process with clear feedback and a more important role of politics prevents unpleasant surprises and provides the predictability we need," Rama said, adding that the Albanian government will continue to cooperate with EU partners and respond to their concerns, starting with those concerning the quality of democracy and the rule of law.
Rama pointed out that he is convinced that in a society where EU support is over 90 percent and where there is no anti-European political party, there are resources for progress towards European integration.
"It will not be easy and will require the transformation of our economic, social and political system, as was the case with the post-communist countries that joined the EU starting in 2004. But... where there is a will, there is a way," the Albanian Prime Minister pointed out. .
Rama also stated that the EU in the Western Balkans needs not only stability, but also reconciliation.
As he pointed out, the idea of an inclusive Regional Schengen and the cooperation of six partners from the region based on the four freedoms - the movement of people, capital, goods and services, is not plan B, that is, a consolation prize for a disappointed public.
According to him, everyone in the region shares the goal of European integration, and the best way to advance on that path is to actively prepare by opening their economies and borders in a way inspired by the essential principles behind the European project.
"A better connected region of the Western Balkans will integrate faster and more successfully into the EU. As I prepare for the donor conference, I still hope that this year will bring Albania progress in its European aspirations," Rama said, adding that joining "a big family European democracies" to be a win-win for all.
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