During an interview with journalist Maria Tadeo at the Euronews Enlargement Summit in Brussels, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the Western Balkans’ path towards European Union membership and Serbia’s role in the region.
He stressed that, although Serbia’s EU integration is important for regional stability, Belgrade must demonstrate concrete results, fulfil the European Union’s non-negotiable conditions and recognise Kosovo.
“What I know is that whoever wins in Belgrade does not signal any opening for me and for the Albanians on the issue of Kosovo’s recognition. This means that the music in Belgrade will not change.
We are part of a region that is still not fully integrated into the EU, and we are the ones who receive lectures, not give them. But Serbia is an important part of the Western Balkans’ political landscape.
I have always advocated against allowing Serbia to move in the wrong direction and abandon the European project. On the other hand, we know how things stand.
When it comes to certain issues, Serbia has demonstrated reluctance towards Kosovo, as well as in its position on Russia and sanctions.
We need Serbia to stand with us, to be part of good-neighbourly relations and to become a full member of the EU. But it must deliver results and earn that place by fulfilling the conditions that are non-negotiable for the European Union,” Rama said.
