Gjipali on the Ukraine Summit: A number of diplomatic agreements were reached, making it a momentous occasion for Albania, 28-29 February 2024

Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of European Movement in Albania, believes that the Ukraine Summit  made it clear that in order to prevent unrest in the Western Balkans, it becomes imperative to block Russia in conceivable ways, particularly in the areas of commerce and information. Along with stressing that the crisis is serious and the threat is immediate, he also called for regional nations to stand united in support of Ukraine. Gjipali highlighted Albania’s possible involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and saw the summit as a step in the right direction for the Western Balkans and Albania. While Prime Minister Rama was praised for his role in advancing Albania’s pro-European stance, he claimed that this advances the political and economic stability of the nation. It was clearly a diplomatic tact to keep the focus on Ukraine, the primary issue, by avoiding bringing up the name of Kosovo at the summit’s conclusion. He saw the lack of reference to sanctions against Russia as a compromise brought about by the need to preserve Balkan unity despite their disparate approaches to Russia. Without specifically mentioning the need to prevent tensions amongst Balkan nations, Gjipali claims that this compromise was reached in the context of pressure from the EU and the USA on Serbia to adhere to their policy of sanctions against Russia. He emphasized that the goal of this summit was to expedite the Western Balkans’ path towards EU membership by addressing practical and technical issues. These issues included euro transfers and trade facilitation, which would accelerate economic growth. He also mentioned the importance of pooling funds and projects before the summer, which is unusual for the EU but necessary to prevent delays that could negatively affect the budgets and businesses of the Western Balkan countries. 

Top Channel – Gjipali on the Ukraine Summit: A number of diplomatic agreements were reached, making it a momentous occasion for Albania, 28 February 2024

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ABC News – Gjipali on the Ukraine Summit: A number of diplomatic agreements were reached, making it a momentous occasion for Albania, 29 February 2024