The well-known Greek newspaper ‘I Efimeridha ton Sintakton’ reported that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for the integration of Albania, potentially bypassing Athens’ veto.

Updates regarding the Greek government’s stance on the Beleri case emerge from Germany, as Olaf Scholz openly advocates for initiating membership negotiations with Albania. He has even proposed utilizing the qualified majority procedure for decision-making.

While the German chancellor’s statements might pertain to all vetoes, using Albania as an example highlights recent developments, particularly Athens’ warning of a potential veto if there are no advancements in the Beleri case.

Olaf Scholz conveyed his dissatisfaction with the delay in the accession process, emphasizing that “it is time for all of us to consider the broader perspective, for both candidate countries and EU member states. “

He advocated expediting the membership procedures and endorsed the use of qualified majority decisions, even within the membership process.

In a speech delivered in the German parliament, he emphasized, “When a country, such as Albania, has undergone significant reforms, it is imperative to acknowledge these efforts. Failing to do so poses a risk of far-reaching consequences in the overall enlargement process, something we cannot afford.”

Mitsotakis is scheduled to participate in a working dinner during the EU-Western Balkans summit, with government sources affirming Greece’s unwavering stance in favor of endorsing the European perspective for the Western Balkans. This stance is perceived as an investment aimed at fostering stability, development, and prosperity within the region.

Furthermore, regarding Albania’s membership process, it should be underlined Greece’s unequivocal stance, which has been communicated to the Albanian authorities. They emphasize that Greece will not endorse the membership process unless progress is made on the issue concerning Fredi Beleri, the elected mayor of Himarë.

/m.ll/