In an interview with Agence Europe at the High-Level Forum on Enlargement on Thursday 24 October (see EUROPE 13511/8), Albania’s Deputy Minister for the Economy, Olta Manjani, talked in detail about the process of integrating her country into the European Union and the progress made in recent months. For her and many of her fellow citizens, EU membership would be synonymous with economic and social development, and would symbolise Europe’s new unity on the international political stage. And this despite the slow pace of negotiations and the consequences that enlargement could have for the functioning of the EU. (Interview by Isalia Stieffatre)
Agence Europe: Albania recently opened its first trading ‘cluster’ (see EUROPE 13504/1). What symbolism does this event hold for the country?
Olta Manjani: Albania has always been one of Europe’s most favourable countries, both outside and inside the EU. If we still hope to join the European Union, it's because our economic and social policy will benefit greatly from it. For us Albanians, it is vital to think of our future as being fully integrated into the Union. This opening is a significant first step and we hope that it will enable us to stimulate progress and innovation on both sides, not just in Albania. And if Albania is part of something bigger than itself, it will make a greater contribution to shaping global standards.
What would Albania contribute to the EU if it joined?
EU enlargement is not simply a question of extending borders; it is a question of stability, of collective and strategic security. The expansion of the EU is a cornerstone of its stability. The aim is to accelerate common progress, deter external threats and promote stability in all regions of the Western Balkans. Albania is already a major stabilising factor in the region; we haven’t had a war on our territory since the Second World War. We will be able to play a crucial stabilising role and take the lead in bringing the region closer to the EU, both in terms of the economic and political process.
Is the goal of accession by 2030, as stated by Prime Minister Edi Rama, really achievable at this stage?
It’s a difficult and highly technical process, but we’re confident. The opening of the first cluster and the validation of our Reform Plan (see EUROPE 13510/19) are proof that our public administration is rising to the challenges it faces. Our political leaders are in favour of Europe, and the desire to join remains firm, even in the long term. The 2030 target is achievable. Of course, for the moment, the main reforms concern the Rule of law and fundamental principles, the digital and ecological transition and the business sector. The EU’s help is also very welcome in bringing our reforms to fruition.
Do you think that holding this kind of event shows that the EU has learnt lessons from the 2004 enlargement?
Yes, completely. Today, we need to ensure that enlargement proceeds more smoothly, more carefully and more comprehensively than in the past. These events also help to promote social inclusion and ensure that we are really ready. This really helps us in the transition process. And it’s particularly important for us to try to actively increase our presence in working groups and European institutions, by taking part in decision-making, even as observers, so that we can make our contribution and put forward our point of view.
In order to continue to function properly in the event of a further enlargement, many are calling for a reform of the Union’s internal treaties. Do you think the political will is there today?
It has to be. We need to strengthen Europe’s influence in the world by presenting a united front. Today is a crucial moment, with a general momentum in the Western Balkans and a general feeling for the EU. The EU needs to capitalise on this feeling. It’s now or never. We are now at the pinnacle of positive feelings about the EU, and we don’t have to wait another 10 or 20 years.