Maliqi: Albania is an increasingly important factor for the EU

Political analyst Shkelzen Maliqi stated that the opening of the European Parliament office in Tirana indicates that Albania is becoming an increasingly important factor and that the EU is sending a message to the Western Balkans that it considers them future member states.

“In the last ten years, Albania has become a more significant factor, and diplomats now prefer to go there. Sarajevo used to be that place, but geographically, it has become somewhat isolated. Of course, there is also a plan for Europe to demonstrate its commitment to the region and to continue the accession process, which had been postponed for some time,” Maliqi told Kosovo Online.

According to this plan, Albania and Montenegro are expected to be the first to join the EU, but he believes this could happen in no less than three years.

“Efforts are being made. Edi Rama and Albania have played a key role, trying in various ways to bring other countries together, first through Open Balkan and then by returning to the Berlin Process, emphasizing that the six countries, which have had EU membership as a goal since 2003, should work toward it. Montenegro and Albania are the closest, and this in turn provides an opportunity for the others. However, the economic and political turbulence is so great that everything remains uncertain,” Maliqi emphasized.

Albania was chosen as the new location for the European Parliament office due to Tirana's increasing influence, especially over the last decade.

Maliqi noted that Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has maintained good relations with both Serbia and Kosovo.

However, he describes his cooperation with Albin Kurti as "less cordial."

“Their meetings are no longer as warm as before, largely due to a personal rivalry between Kurti and Rama. Sometimes, Rama takes on the role of an older brother, while Kurti can be unpredictable, trying to dictate terms even to global powers, lecturing them on how to act. I believe he will eventually have to tone it down,” Maliqi said.

On the other hand, he reminds that since taking office, Rama has been building strategic relations with neighboring countries, including Greece, Turkey, and Italy, while also attempting to revive economic cooperation in the region.

“First through Open Balkan, and now through the Berlin Process. These projects are very similar. In this sense, Rama promotes openness and the idea that the six countries themselves must work internally to strengthen the rule of law. Albania has led the way, establishing a special anti-corruption task force that has arrested a former president, the mayor of Tirana, and many ministers… All on corruption charges,” Maliqi concluded.