Basha: Albania today is at the crossroads, deserves a European future

If you read any newspaper or media that deals with foreign policy themes today, you will face a series of problems and concerns that make you feel that the situation in Europe and the world is very threatened by a number of factors. How often have we heard of the so-called “death of liberal democracies” or “the birth of an illegal democracy”, or worse yet “the beginning of an authoritarian era”? All these questions have raised a storm of controversy about the stability of United Europe. In fact, today the European Union and its institutions are seen with many scepticism. Many critics even agree that the market and free movement are essentially dangerous to the democratic system itself. Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, I come before someone with another message today. A message of hope. A message of optimism. A message that for many of you may come as a surprise how Albania among all countries represented here is a country where such values and ideas have popular support. A country whose citizens still struggle for these values. One country whose people believe progress can only be guaranteed through opening, partnership and co-operation”, Basha said.

Then he added:

A country that believes in a strong and functioning European Union properly. Although the current government failed to fulfill this vision, it is vital that you be aware that there is another side of the coin. What we are fighting for in Albania is a radical transformation, in line with the spirit and intentions of Albanians. We not only have the conviction that we must reform our country to move forward. But we believe the reforms should be European model. European standards. This will not happen overnight and certainly not under the direction of the current government. This requires a profound extent to national reflection. To look honestly at our situation, we must ask ourselves some weighty questions: How did we get here? How will we end this crisis? Because we all know this is not the way to Albania's progress! Because we don't have to be like this. Albanians want progress, are ambitious, talented and educated. My dedication is to serve their hopes and expectations, creating a positive climate that favours small business and family economy. To give all Albanians the right tools for welfare and success. What we have is a vision and a concrete plan that guides us beyond the crisis and the right way. A vision for future generations. There comes a Albania, which aspires to co-operation with Europe and its neighbours. A collaborative Albania. That contributes positively within the European Union and the community of nations. As a European graduate lawyer who has worked for the United Nations, I have seen what can be achieved when countries positively change their standards and development policies and work together. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I successfully negotiated Albania's NATO membership and guaranteed the agreement with the European Union for free movement of Albanian citizens within the “zone Schengen” This experience has taught me that co-operation and implementation of reforms are guarantees of success. Dear friends, ladies, gentlemen. To fulfill our vision, we must work together. Albania today is at a crossroads. We can't afford the high price of four more years like the ones we left behind. Albania deserves a better future. Albania deserves a European future. And with your support, that's exactly what we'll achieve. ”/top Channel/