Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama gave an interview for the Italian Public Television RAI, at the political show “Porta a Porta”, regarding the concerns about a possible EU enlargement, which includes Serbia, but which is closer to Russia, the impact of the war in Ukraine in the Balkans and in particular in Albania, as well as for the scenarios that can be imagined at this stage of the conflict.

Is Albania afraid of a possible enlargement of the European Union that includes Serbia, at a time when we see Serbia very close to Russia?

Edi Rama: No, not only are we not afraid of this, but we are a sufficiently distinguished voice in the Western Balkans that says that we must keep Serbia very close and we must do everything to be united politically. On the other hand, of course there are differences because Serbia has not sanctioned Russia for clear reasons that at some point must be understood as reasons of a political and historical nature, but also of a pragmatic nature.

What is the impact of the war in Ukraine in the Balkans and in particular in Albania?

Edi Rama: We must do everything to avoid that the passion for war, let’s say, does not include us in the creation of disputes between NATO and pro-NATO member countries in the Balkans and Serbia and the communities that belong to a Slavic-Orthodox world, closely connected with Russia.

Is it possible to think of a European Union that includes Albania and other Balkan countries without Serbia?

Edi Rama: No, in my opinion no.

What scenario can you imagine at this stage of the conflict?

Edi Rama: The biggest possibility is that this is one of the so-called frozen conflicts, but with a rather impressive dimension that can take hostage not only Russia and Ukraine, but the whole world for a long period of time. And, if the Russians have always been quite tough fighters, the Ukrainians are the same. So, to say that it can be settled here without them seems quite difficult to me.

/a.p./