Analyst Mentor Nazarko, invited to Balkan Update, expressed that President Osmani used such a platform to voice Kosovo’s stance and deep dissatisfaction with its international status regarding the EU. According to him, Brussels will not exclude Kosovo from its growth plan.
“President Osmani, on behalf of the state she represents, tried to deliver a clear condemnation of the terrorist act or assault that was referred to by the new commissioner, regarding the incidents in Banjska or on the Ibër-Lepencë canal. However, this did not happen.
President Osmani used such an important platform, such a large presence, a summit that included not only the Balkans but also neighboring countries like Italy and Greece, to advance Kosovo’s position and its deep dissatisfaction with its international status in relation to the EU.
It’s clear that there cannot be progress with the EU as long as France and Italy oppose consensus on lifting the measures. Kosovo needs to take steps to meet the conditions set, such as submitting to the status of the association agreement, so that we can get a counterreaction from Brussels. The EU will not exclude Kosovo from its growth plan.”
Nazarko also commented on the stance of Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis toward Albania, stating that there is a risk that Greece may once again place obstacles on the path to the EU.
“The Greek Prime Minister spoke about relations with Albania, both in Brussels and during the inauguration of the segment connecting Ioannina with Kakavija, a 300-million-euro investment, emphasizing the importance of relations with Albania and articulating a new theme called ‘the right to self-identification.’
The right to self-identification is a new concept invented by Greece, and it relates to Greek-speaking Albanians in Himara, who history has not considered ethnic Greeks in their entirety. Mitsotakis underlined that the blockade on the Bejleri issue seems to have been overcome, and the chapters of foreign policy that Albania opened with Brussels could be closed by December, which would be an achievement. Mitsotakis made it clear that Greece could place obstacles. This is a sign that the Greek right wing continues to adhere to an agenda of nationalism and holds conditions with a historical, religious, or self-declaration character.”
