Can Albania save Angela Merkel as Chancellor?

No one confirms the words in circulation: Albania could become a key country for temporary refugee reception in Europe, but not in the EU. A golden solution for Merkel and the EU.

It's just one thesis, nothing more: Albania as the site for temporary refugee housing. European Council President Donald Tusk and Austria Chancellor Sebastian Kurz have put the idea first, to create asylum seekers' centres in Europe, but outside the EU.

Government spokesman in Vienna Peter Launchsky-Tieffenthal confirmed to DW, meanwhile, that there are talks on establishing such a centre among them as Albania. And Andrew Fuga, director for Relations with the Public and Adviser of Albania's prime minister, told DW through email, that there is neither demand nor discussion on the subject. The opposition in Albania interprets it differently. It accuses the government of achieving accelerated EU membership in exchange for refugee centres. And here's how it could happen:

Current situation

On the Balkan route, there continues to be movement through land routes. Refugees come mainly through the Mediterranean Sea, but meanwhile Italy, Malta or Greece are no longer willing to accept people en masse. While EU countries -- including Germany -- want asylum seekers turned back. What does this have to do with Albania?

Why Albania?

The small Balkan country is located along the refugee route, and also in the Mediterranean, where the majority of refugees fly by ship. The Durres port has sufficient capacity for the landing of large refugee contingents. Of the ships being evacuated by Frontex refugees could be deployed on Albanian soil to register. Then those who are not confirmed that they really have reasons for asylum can return directly to their home countries. While those who need protection and potentially have access to asylum may be distributed to EU countries.

What is attractive to EU countries: Albania is not part of the EU. EU regulations like the Schengen Agreement or the Dublin Agreement are not in force there. Albania is, however, a NATO member and thus anchored in the security alliance of Western states. A NATO Antiterrorism Centre is currently being built in Albania. Adding to this is the favourable geographic position, which Albania's north is surrounded by high mountains, whatca creates a natural curif security.

Is Albania prepared?

Albania has great experience with housing and treatment of refugees. In 1999/1998 the country sheltered nearly one million Kosovars.

And as a result of the 2015 refugee crisis in Albania, considerable capacity for accepting migrants was established. These capacities have been virtually untapped to date. Albania's media account for capacity at a number of thousands.

spokesman U n NHCR for Southeast Europe Neven Crvenkovic told DW that Albania has doubled its existing capacity since 2017. Meanwhile, Albania's Interior Minister, Fatmir Xhafaj, has had these days of talks with counterparts in European capitals. On Thursday he was in Berlin, and one of the topic talks was also migration.

Why would this go for Europe?

Unlike Libya, Albania is a safe country in Europe and near the EU gates. In addition, Albania wants to become an EU member and therefore is willing to respect EU standards, such as those involving human rights. UNHCR confirms that Albania treats refugees well in the country.

All these points that Libya, which is also under discussion, does not meet. And above all, the EU cannot act there as regulatory power, because Libya is a state without structure and leadership.

What would Angela Merkel gain from this?

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said at his recent meeting with the Austrian Chancellor that he supports the idea of migration centres outside the EU. German government spokesman Stephen Seibert, on the other hand, did not want to comment Wednesday because of Sunday's special EU summit in Brussels.

A possible agreement with Albania would also have tremendous significance for the decomposing of domestic German differences: Albania would offer resolution “humane”. And Seehofer security requirements: procedures controlled under EU supervision, but outside the EU, would become possible. Horst Seehofer may be pleased and sell it as a success for the bavarese election campaign. The government crisis would actually end.

“Albanian resolution” can also be useful to Albania: The socialist government in Tirana is under pressure from conservative circles, especially the CDU. The recommendation for the EU summit to open accession negotiations with Albania has been questioned due to concerns related to rule of law. Albania may demand green light for the talks in exchange for the refugee agreement. EU countries would thank Albania for such a solution to the migration crisis.

A golden solution entirely according to the Balkan proverb <x0mish baked, heli not burn”. Because with an Albanian solution, everyone could be happy: The EU, Albania, Angela Merkel and Horst Seehofer.