Hahn talks Kosovo joining Albania

Commissioner for European Neighborship and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn sheds light on a range of issues of political currentity in the country, indicating the perspective Albania has to join the EU.

In an exclusive interview with the newspaper “Theme”, Hahn provides his assessment of steps taken by the government “Rama”, and appeals to political parties to boost co-operation in order to achieve tangible results for citizens.

He recommends that work must continue further to meet the top five priorities, and especially the fight against drug cultivation and trafficking.

Asked about the warning for <x0 national reunification” in the event the EU closes its doors to Albania and Kosovo, Hahn deems that this discussion is dangerous and unacceptable, adding that the future of the entire region should be seen.

Meanwhile, the commissioner also lists some advice for lawmakers in Albania and Kosovo, among which, according to him, could ensure the countries' progress towards the European family.

He further has an explanation for the alarm raised by some political actors for Russian influence on Western Balkan countries.

Mr. Hahn, what do you think of the recent political developments in Albania? Are your expectations fulfilled or do you expect more from Albanian politics?

I welcome the fact that the elections were held without being boycotted by political parties. Interparty co-operation will be essential for Albania's further steps in the integration process. I also welcome holding elections peacefully and without major incidents. Albanian authorities will now have to work on surveys documented by O The SBE HINA ODIHR, in particular for excessive politicisation at all levels of the election administration.

Now we expect a government determined to move the country forward on the road to EU integration through continued reforms. The new government should focus particularly on implementing reform in justice and the Vetting Process, which is crucial in running the fight against organised crime and corruption.

Given the government's performance, elections and the start of reform implementation in justice, under your judgment, what are the chances for the European Union to open membership negotiations in December?

The European Commission has recommended opening negotiations based on the reliable and significant progress of implementing reform in justice, particularly on verifying judges and prosecutors. We can say that with the establishment of the verification organs, much progress has been achieved. We expect these organs to start operating in the fall. Our recommendation will depend on the results achieved. Also, it is equally important that work for the top five priorities continue, especially the fight against drug cultivation and trafficking.

The elections have already ended, but there are a number of reforms requiring the co-operation of the left and right. How would a coalition between the two largest political forces in Albania affect the country's progress?

A responsible government committed to reform and a constructive opposition are crucial. Blocking policies and non-preceptive party policies would be harmful to the democratic process. All sides must work together to achieve significant results for the benefit of all Albanian citizens.

Kosovo President Thaci, candidate for prime minister Kurti, as well as Albanian Prime Minister Rama have openly expressed their position on a possible national union if the EU does not open the doors for both countries. How do you evaluate this statement?

First of all, there is a packaged perspective for all Western Balkan countries to join the European Union, and we will continue to work with all partners in the region bilaterally for their European path.

As the high representative, Mrs. Mogherin, and I have meant, statements that can be interpreted as political interference in neighbouring countries, do not help build good neighbourly relations and expose the region to risks of escalating rhetoric and ethnic tensions. This appeal applies to all leading policy actors in the region, who with their actions and statements must show responsibility for the stability of the entire region. The European Union expects all leaders of the region to continue building constructive, co-operative relations and intensifying work with relevant reform programmes to move forward on the road to European integration. The summit in Trieste shows the key role of regional co-operation and unity for preparing Western Balkans' membership in the European Union.

Is a union between the two countries possible if both governments express their free will in this regard?

This discussion is dangerous and unacceptable. I think it's important to see the perspective of the entire region. All energy and focus should be directed to the reform agenda linked to three pillars of the enlargement strategy: rule of law, economic governance and public administration reform. This will improve citizens' living conditions.

Mr. Hahn, Kosovo remained the only country in the Balkans that needs visas in order to travel on EU territory. This isolation has led to a massive illegal migration, bringing great danger. What is the EU's plan to solve this problem?

We understand the importance of visa liberalisation for the people of Kosovo. The commission has issued a proposal for visa liberalisation with Kosovo in May 2016. This proposal provides for the remaining two demands: strengthening the fight against organised crime and corruption, as well as ratification of the border agreement with Montenegro. Addressing these requirements should be the immediate priority of Kosovo's new government and its parliament.

Kosovo completed the election elections. What are the chances that its citizens are no longer required to travel to the EU?

The priority for Kosovo now is to form a government based on the parliamentary majority, in line with the Constitution and parliamentary procedures. Any new government will have to engage in the country's EU perspective and conduct substantial reforms in particular those of rule of law and economy, as well as seriously engage in dialogue with Serbia. It must meet its citizens' expectations, and visa liberalisation is one of the main expectations. These will be crucial for Kosovo to progress on its European path that we are engaged in. The commission is willing to support Kosovo at every step of the road, but the responsibility lies with Kosovo politicians.

More and more Balkan countries are wary of Russian influence. Under your judgment how endangered is it really? Should statements on this matter be taken seriously?

All countries in the region have a strategic goal of integration into the European Union, and all have a clear European perspective. That's what we as the European Union are working for. We are committed to seeing the region on an irreversible path towards the EU. Bringing the Western Balkans closer, supporting reforms and strengthening political or economic ties with the region are our priorities. This is in the strategic interest of the European Union and the region.

With a clear European perspective, this region is closer to the European Union in terms of geography, history, culture, values, and the latter, but not less important; with the EU as the main trade partner for Western Balkan countries; and as the biggest source of foreign investment. The country of the region is naturally within the European Union, where most people throughout the region think the same way. We want citizens of the Western Balkans to have the same benefits that more than 500 million citizens across the EU have; better social and economic conditions, rule of law and more prosperity. This is a real prospect, not false news. I don't see any other geopolitical alternative that will match ours, whether in terms of ambition, benefits and credibility.

What are the recommendations and advice forwarded to Albanian lawmakers in this lecture?

My first recommendation would be further strengthening the voice of Albanian citizens, thus strengthening ties between citizens and the country's democratic process. Second, I will encourage MPs to work together for Albania's EU perspective beyond party lines. This will be a major challenge for the newly elected parliament. Thirdly, it will be important for parliament to continue its commitment to implementing reform in justice and the vetoing process. Citizens expect this and they should not be disappointed.