Selenica: Opening of the EP office is good news for the entire region, whether in Belgrade or Tirana is not important

Political analyst and editor at RTV Albania 1, Gert Selenica, stated that the opening of the European Parliament office is good news not only for Albania but for the entire Western Balkans, as it signals that the EU has directed its attention to this region.

“The opening of the European Parliament headquarters in Tirana is good news, especially for Albania, but also for the Balkans as a whole. Naturally, this also pertains to the processes in which the region is involved. We have several countries in the region that are preparing or are close to closing chapters in the process of opening negotiations for EU membership,” Selenica told Kosovo Online.

He emphasizes that the choice of Tirana over Belgrade or Pristina is of lesser importance, as the key takeaway is the "signal" being sent.

“This is a sign from the European Union that it wants to be present in the Balkans, that its attention to the region is increasing,” Selenica points out.

He is convinced that the Western Balkans is in a phase where it is “realizing” the importance of European integration.

“The Balkans is in a very interesting stage of development. It seems evident that the region has moved past the old politics—politics of conflict, weapons, or strong nationalist rhetoric. We are now at a point where the entire region has clearly understood that regional unity is necessary, but within the framework of the European Union. So, the opening of a headquarters in Tirana is good news for the whole region,” the analyst explains.

He sees the opening of the European Parliament office as particularly significant for Albania, which he describes as being in a “delicate moment.”

“This is of great importance for Albania because Tirana is at a critical juncture, as it is closing the last remaining chapters at record speed before opening EU accession negotiations by 2027. This was emphasized by Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos during her visit to Tirana, in meetings with heads of state, but this time also with opposition representatives. So, they are giving us all the signs, telling us that all the conditions have been met for them to take us by the hand and guide us through this very important process,” Selenica states.

He also links the opening of the EP office in the Western Balkans to the global situation.

“This includes armed conflicts but also various regional policies that create a delicate situation. I also see it as an attempt by the European Union to sever certain ties that some countries have with nations that are not aligned with EU policy. Here, I am referring to Serbia, which maintains traditional ties with Russia. Just a few days ago, President Vučić had another phone conversation with President Putin. So, the EU is increasing its physical presence to demonstrate that its focus is on the region. It appears that the European Union is ready, and we can see that different Balkan states are no longer dealing with war-related issues but with modern political developments,” Selenica explains.

He sees corruption as the region’s biggest problem, calling it a “gangrene.”

Regarding Serbia, he highlights student protests but notes that Albania faces similar issues.

“Albania is also in a unique moment because, perhaps for the first time, high-ranking political figures are being targeted by the judiciary. The opening of this office is a sign that the Western Balkans is very important to the EU,” Selenica concludes.