Gjipali: Despite the integration challenges, Albania is headed towards EU membership, stances on the Growth Plan, funding issues, and the Greek veto, 22-23 January 2024

Gledis Gjipali, Expert in International Affairs, provides a comprehensive assessment of the current situation in the Balkans, with a focus on Prime Minister Rama’s call and Albania’s efforts towards European Union (EU) membership.

A review of the Skopje meeting and Prime Minister Rama’s call for increased engagement of Balkan leaders reveals a perceived good alignment. This is viewed as an effort to expedite the EU accession process. Gjipali acknowledges that Albania has made improvements in meeting the accession criteria, but underlines that the country still needs to put in more efforts. With regard to the Growth Plan, he emphasizes that statements made by European officials concerning the region and its economy are realistic, given the EU’s past experiences with countries having partially aligned economies for the European market. Gjipali informs that the European Commission has initiated discussions with member states to draft a strategic plan for funds that will be allocated as support to candidate countries with significant impact. Regarding the Beleri issue, Gjipali believes that Greece is using it as an excuse, dismissing it as a mere political strategy. He asserts that the EU is deliberating on changing the decision-making process of member states, suggesting that this could be a positive step to overcome obstacles and facilitate the accession of Balkan countries to the European Union.

Gjipali: Despite the integration challenges, Albania is headed towards EU membership, 22-23 January 2024

Gjipali: Stances on the Growth Plan, funding issues, and the Greek veto, 22-23 January 2024

Gjipali: Despite the integration challenges, Albania is headed towards EU membership, stances on the Growth Plan, funding issues, and the Greek veto, 22-23 January 2024