It is now exactly 20 years ago that Albania and Germany reestablished diplomatic relations. What can you tell us about the state of the relations between our two countries today? How much have they progressed and changed in light of the momentous geopolitical changes that have taken place in those 20 years? (i.e. the reunification of Germany, the fall of Communism)
Bilateral relations between Albania and Germany are excellent. The intensive political dialogue between our two countries gives ample proof of that: In August we had our Minister of Defence here, Minister Basha was in Berlin in September, on the occasion of the German Cultural Weeks in Albania – Tetori Gjerman – State Minister Erler from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be here. More visits are planned. Compared to 20 years ago, Germany and Albania today have a much broader common basis: both countries are democratic market economies.
Germany has always been perceived positively by the Albanians who have had great expectations form it. Suffice it to mention the Strauss visit in Albania which has often been described as a lost opportunity for Albania. In your view how justified were those expectations and to what extent have they been realized?
It is difficult to speculate on how history could have been changed. I think it is a reasonable guess to assume, that an earlier opening-up of Albania would have attracted more interest of the German economy. Today Albania has lots of competitors in Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe.
Another question which is connected to the previous one concerns German investment in Albania. In fact there is a perception that German investment has not really materialized to the extent one would have expected from such a major economic power, as opposed to Greek or Italian investment which are much more visible. What are in your view the reasons for this? Do German companies and businesses encounter special difficulties in Albania that make them reluctant to invest or is it simply that their attention has been drawn to the new members of the EU?
Investment decisions are influenced by many factors: The investment climate, geographic proximity can play a role and also knowledge about a specific country. Investment climate and knowledge are fields where the Government can act. Together with the Albanian Government we will organize on the 22nd and 23rd of October a German-Albanian Economic Conference with the participation of quite a number of German companies. This could be an opportunity to improve knowledge about Albania.
In June 2006 Albania signed the Stabilization association agreement with EU .Would you like comment on the progress we have achieved through implementation of this agreement?
The SAA contains a broad range of issues. In the economic field we have seen noticable progress, i.e. in fields like trade relations or the general economic reforms. But a lot remains to be done, in other fields we have seen progress in the fight against organized crime and we encourage Albania to continue rigorously on this path. Organized crime and corruption also have a strong influence on the perception of Albania in the EU countries including Germany.
In your judgment what are the prospect for NATO membership for Albania?
The NATO membership is in principle open for Albania. Germany supports Albania’s bid to join NATO. Albania has already tackled many reforms and has registered impressive achievement. Our Defence Minister Jung just confirmed this concerning the military field. But Albania needs to persevere with its reform efforts and to intensify them. 27 countries have to be convinced.
On a rather different subject: how does Germany view its place in the EU and what is Germany’s position on EU’s future enlargement?
Under Germany’s EU-presidency the European Council agreed on a reform treaty. This is an important signal also for the Western Balkans. After conclusion of the intergovernmental conference and after ratification of the treaty by all member states, the EU will have secured its integration capacity. We are hoping for a smooth course of this process.
How do you see Albania’s perspective for joining the EU? Where does Albania have to focus more in order to meet the criteria for joining the EU club?
Germany continues to support the European perspective for all countries of the Western Balkans based on a fair and clear conditionality. Every country is proceeding depending on its own merits. We welcome that Albania has started the implementation of the interim-agreement with the EU. The signing of the stabilisation and association Agreement was an important step for Albania. In some fields Albania continues to be further advanced on this path than other potential candidates for membership. The Commission’s Progress Report which will be published in November, and will draw a realistic picture.
On the question on Kosova issue. Germany has been rather more cautious in making any statements than for instance the US, or even France and the UK. What is Germany’s position on the future of Kosova especially as it pertains to the stability of the broader Balkan area?
Germany has initiated the Troika process which aims at encouraging a negociated settlement between Belgrade and Pristina. Although the so-called Ahtisaari Plan remains on the table, the contact group is ready to support any agreement reached between the parties. To avoid any repetition of previous misunderstandings: A partition of Kosovo would not find Germany’s support.
