Fajon: Elections would calm the situation in Albania, Kosovo- Serbia after tax removal

In the interview given for the newspaper “The century”, Tanja Fajon, requires Albania to conduct elections that will enable an equal competition between all political parties and that these elections would also enable a calming of the situation in the country. As for the performance of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Slovenian Eurodeput Tanja Fajon puts emphasis on the tax Kosovo government has imposed on Serbia. Fajon requires that both countries return to the first status of establishing this tax.

-The political crisis in Albania is still ongoing. What do you think of this situation?

Fajon: When a crisis occurs in most cases, it means that everything is not going well. Especially when it lasts for a long time. It is always important to try to find a way through it, something that will make both sides happy. In Albania's case, the protest at first was legal, but after they began to be violent, protesters have lost their main cause.

- Has Albania made any progress towards the European Union?

Fajon: In the past decade, Albania has made significant progress towards the European Union. Your country's leaders say Albania has implemented the reforms required by Brussels and that they gained the right to start accession negotiations. I have stressed several times, also that the European Union must now maintain its commitments and open negotiations with Albania as soon as possible. It was part of the European Commission's recommendation 29 May. Meanwhile, there is much more work to be done to enter the European Union, especially in terms of corruption and organised crime.

In Albania, there has been a lot of debate about local elections. Albania's president has signed a new law on local elections. What do you think of that situation?

Fajon: It is important to have democratic and fair elections that will allow all parties to participate with equal rights. The most important thing in this way is the protection and empowering of Albania's democracy and that every citizen has its right to vote. Elections that would enable calming the situation in the country are necessary for Albania.

The European Union Commission has given a positive recommendation to Albania, but the main issue concerns EU member states. Do you believe Albania has any chance of opening negotiations with the European Union in October?

Fajon: In recent times, not only for Albania, but for the entire Western Balkans, there has been a slight decline in integration by the European Union. As is heard by many EU countries, such as France or the Netherlands, the EU must reform itself before accepting any new members. On the other hand, as Johannes Hahn stated, both Albania and Northern Macedonia have made reforms and that the Union “should reward those who submitted all the demands the council itself had unanimously placed in Luxembourg just a year earlier.” I would say that I am optimistic and that despite some countries that do not want the EU to expand, Albania can open negotiations.

- What's your opinion on Germany's role in Albania? Why is it said by Bundestag that can postpone the decision on Albania in October?

Fajon: Germany has a major role in Albania because it acts as a leading foreign partner. Furthermore, Germany is seen as a country giving greater support to Albania in terms of the difficult process of implementing reforms, for a democratic state, rule of law and good governance ... The reason Germany wants Albania to stay on its path to the European Union and start negotiations is also motivated because of its desire for a constructive role of stability in the Western Balkans.

-The last is about Serbia-Kosovo dialogue. Do you think the tariff tax imposed on the Serbian product should be revoted by the Kosovo government?

For successful negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo, it is important that Kosovo revote its taxes on Serbian products. For continuing negotiations, the status between them must be as before taxes are implemented. Only in this way, it is possible to find in the future a solution that will satisfy both Serbia and Kosovo.