“The Western Balkans and its integration into the EU are very important to me.” With these sentiments, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz launched a joint media briefing with Prime Minister Edi Rama at the conclusion of a two-day summit in Berlin on Tuesday.
“The Western Balkans are a part of Europe and its family. That is why I am delighted that Rama has agreed to hold the Berlin Process Conference on October 16th in a Western Balkan state for the first time in ten years. Albania set a positive example by being the first country to ratify the November agreements “Scholz went on to say.
The Chancellor stated that the quick integration of the region’s six states into the Union is important for his government. “We want them to become members as soon as feasible. The heart of the negotiations remains the consolidation of the rule of law. Therefore, it is good that members of criminal gangs and high officials have been prosecuted and convicted.”
Scholz also thanked Albania for its role in aligning with the West in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. “The aggression of Russia demonstrates that democracies cannot be taken for granted. I applaud Albania for its helpful engagement in the UN and NATO as a non-permanent member of the Security Council “Scholz elaborated.