Donic: EP office in Tirana part of Europe's ‘awakening’ strategy

Petar Donic, an associate of the New Third Way, stated that the opening of the European Parliament office in Albania is part of Europe's "awakening" strategy and its effort to take on a greater role in global affairs.

"This aligns with the current European strategy of awakening and taking a bigger role in the world and global activities. Why Albania? We could interpret it as a continuation of Europe's traditional policy, but it is still too early to say for sure, as we are waiting for the US response. The US and Europe will make joint decisions regarding Kosovo and future policies in the Western Balkans," Donic told Kosovo Online.

He explains that these offices serve to accelerate and facilitate agreements, prepare various types of visits by European officials, and coordinate civil sector activities.

"There was an idea to establish one in Montenegro, but that was abandoned. There is already one in New York, coordinating activities in North America, and another in Djibouti, managing affairs in that region. There is also talk of opening one in Panama," Donic specified.

He believes the work of this office will align with statements made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the need to stabilize and normalize relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

"One of this office's agendas should be to promote and coordinate the pro-European agenda, European values, and European interests, essentially, integrating the Western Balkans into Europe. It will certainly play a positive role in stabilizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina, further consolidating the Western Balkans region, and advancing its European path," Donic emphasized.