Gent Cakaj: Opposition, additional obstacle to opening negotiations

EU member states condemn bringing political groups to Albania, but do not say this behaviour will deprive Albania of the possibility of opening negotiations. But of course the current political climate in Albania does not contribute to positive prospects for opening negotiations in October”, he said.

Asked if we could be penalised by the current political situation in Albania, Cakaj replied: “cannot be disfellowshipped. It is important that member states be aware that the progressive agenda of the Albanian government will continue despite the internal situation and political sabotage of the opposition. If this turns out to be something we'll see. Currently, I want to stress three elements of why the opposition's behaviour is not in favour of Albania's European agenda: First, this behaviour does not contribute to Albania's international image; The second one this behavior directly affects the dynamics of reforms Albania needs to realise; The third is not contributing to Saturday's prospects for opening negotiations in October. The way the political situation is developing in Albania, not only is it an attack on the government and constitutional order is in fact an attack by Albania's European agenda”, Cakaj said.