Prime Minister Edi Rama has commented on the agreement between Albania and Italy on migrants, his outlook beyond 2030, and the possibility of partial and gradual membership in the European Union. In an interview with journalist Maria Tadeo at the “Euronews Enlargement Summit,” Rama defended the agreement with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, stressing that it will remain in force until 2030, while not ruling out its extension beyond that.
Tadeo: You and Italy made an agreement on irregular migrants. There have been many questions about this agreement. What will happen after 2030 if you join the EU?
Rama: It is not such a big issue to occupy Europe’s mind. It is an effort to find a solution. It is used for domestic purposes by parties that see it as a way to win votes. But this is a major problem, a challenge of civilization.
Tadeo: What will happen after 2030?
Rama: You want to get a title for “my sister” in Rome, but I won’t give it to you. The agreement will remain in force until 2030, and even until 2050, as long as “my sister” is there.
Tadeo: What do you think about the version of partial and gradual membership in the EU?
Rama: It has been discussed in every case. It is not about Albania or Montenegro, but about Europe itself. I am convinced that the process must be based on merit. It is like a driving license. You need a license, but you also need to know how to use the vehicle. We demand a merit-based process, but everyone must be on merit. We are Ursula’s (Von der Leyen’s) 7 children, but she did not raise her children outside the house. Let us all be at the table and join according to merit. Serbia can also be at the table, but if it does nothing, it gets no benefits. With this, you also send a message to Russia. You must let us into the house and then “punish” us, “lock us in the bathroom.” Otherwise, let us stay in the neighborhood. This is not about us, because we will always be at the door, begging to get in.