CDU/ CSU seeking position for Albania, Rama in Berlin on Friday

As Deutsche Welle learned from CDU/ The CSU in Berlin next week MPs from the largest group in Germany's (Bundestag) parliament will deal intensively with Albania, in search of a stance for opening negotiations.

Involved will primarily be the Christian and Christian deputies of the Western Balkan working group, which is headed by the deputy chairman of the CDU Parliamentary Group/ CSU's Johann David Wadefhul (CDU), as well as working groups on European and Foreign Union issues.

During the next week, they are expected to meet with both German government representatives and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama himself. The latter is expected to arrive next Friday (13.09) in Berlin.

Apparently, a large part of CDU deputies/ CSUs are inclined to give Albania a “Yes! under”, but there is also a small but strong minority, which thinks Albania is not ready for that either.

In addition to previously formulated conditions regarding judicial reform, the fight against corruption, organised crime and drugs, electoral reform, conditions such as clarification of the legitimacy of the June 2019 local elections are expected to be added, as well as clarification of accusations of vote trading in some areas.

Final decision group CDU/ CSU is expected to receive it on September 24th. The CDU position/ CSU should be the same as that of the German government and of the coalition partner SPD.

The latter, and its foreign ministry, has already indicated an immediate start of negotiations with Albania.

If the parties manage to unify their positions, this stance is expected to be voted in on September 27th at the Bundestag plenary session.