Let us work together for European perspective, says Prodi

“I am very happy to address this distinguished Assembly. Thank you for extending me the opportunity. I return to Albania today with emotion, a country which, as an Italian and European citizen, I have always felt very close to me.
Italy has particular ties with the entire Balkan region. There exists a spiritual and sentimental nearness which geography alone is incapable of explaining. For with Albania, there is something even more special, a unified and powerful tie, which I believe, has something to do with our Mediterranean temperament. Albania is not only Balkan. It is also a Mediterranean country. Skenderbeg chose to construct fortresses along the coastline, near the sea, and not high up in the mountains, as other Balkan gentlemen of the time did. And what more than this demonstrates the nature of the Albanian spirit. Dazzling, cosmopolitan, full of honour for others and attentive towards that that is different.
When, at similar assemblies to this one, there is talk of historical and cultural ties, it is so easy for clich고and banalities to surface. But, today, I know that I do not risk running up against anything like that, because the entire existence of both our countries is made up of histories we have lived through together, of cultures that have always met, penetrated and fused with one another. Since the times of Antiquity. Many, many Centuries before the insignia of the double-headed eagle on a red background became the Albanian national flag. The archeological wonders of Butrint, the Venetian walls of Shkodra, the Arbereshi villages in our southern parts and the urban physiognomy of this capital city, are all signs of a proximity that stretches beyond the times of politics. Because, more than anything else, between Italy and Albania there exists a binding of our peoples.
Italy has very much at heart, the theme of the day – the European integration of the Western Balkans- and it is a constant in its activity in Europe. And it is only natural that this be the case. Because we known that we cannot change the flow of history, and that we Italians comprehend better than the others, just what is fundamental for the entire region – a final berthing and anchoring alongside Europe. I know that the wish to join Europe is very strong in these parts. All you have to do is look around you to understand that. All you have to do is to study the cities, to talk to the young people. And so, it is exceptionally important that this desire to be a part of Europe is not forsaken. It must not be held hostage of short-lived policies, incapable of establishing relations between the European Union and the Western Balkans, within the correct historical and cultural perspective.
Today’s challenge is this: translate the commitments we all undertook in Thessalonica four years ago, into concrete acts. Do not thwart the hopes of those who, in the results of that Summit, quite correctly grasped that this was the beginning of a more profound contractual relationship between Brussels and the Balkan countries, which dissolved every shadow of a doubt ever cast on its outcome. Brussels must, immediately make the European perspective tangible, and lay the foundations for its crowning, within the shortest time possible. So that the simple people are entitled to its benefits immediately, benefits linked with stability, prosperity, freedom of movement and circulation. For their part, the Balkan countries must continue modernization and reforms. They too, must keep the word they pledged and the commitments they undertook. The length of time this process will take will depend on the broad scale and the rates at which these changes happen.
Several political analysts have acutely highlighted the risks of a relationship between Europe and the Western Balkans, based on a dual misunderstanding: that of a Europe which promises integration, without giving it; and of a region that promises reforms, without doing them. It is our duty to work responsibly to dispel all misunderstanding in this field.
How can Italy help this process, to make it irreversible and to speed it up?
The answer is simple: by persevering in doing what it has done over these years. To become the champion of the “Balkan Cause” at the European chancelleries and Community institutions. Suffice it to add that to discharge this obligation successfully we require concrete elements that we can use to back up our reasoning.
We are well aware that finally bringing peace to the region and reaching the required standards of well being, depend on European perspectives. We also know that if the Balkans is more stable, more prosperous and more secure, then the whole continent will be more stable, prosperous and secure.
This is a fundamental message for European public opinion, at a moment when, it is best that it recalls, that there exists a tendency of given EU member countries, to withdraw into their own shells and to deny the undeniable-the successes of the policy of enlargement.
And I wish to be explicit on one point of this issue: the enlargement towards the Western Balkans is the natural enhancement of the countries of central-eastern Europe of the period 2004-2007. This is not a new enlargement, and precisely for this reason, it is top priority in comparison with the other commitments of the European Union.
I declared in this Parliament, five years ago, as the President of the European Commission, that European integration will not be complete until the countries of the western Balkans are members of the Union. I reiterate this with even stronger belief today as the Prime Minister of Italy.
Italy will continue to do its bit, on the bilateral plane too, to speed up this process. With initiatives that aid modernization and the lead reforms of the realization of the European perspective.
For years we have been working to the benefit of the region, with an integrated and global approach that represents every field of activity. The contribution offered by our military and police contingents, in the theatres of crises, has always been accompanied by work that supports institutions, the economies and the communities. This is a real collective effort of our country, which adds value to civil society and administrations at every level, including local entities, beginning from the districts.
Let’s see what the region of the Balkans can do to continue along the road towards Brussels. If it is true that the European perspective is explained by the binomial equation of Europe/Reforms, then the answer is very simple: reforms, reforms and more reformsŮ
Over the last ten year period a great deal has been achieved, and, undoubtedly, today the Balkans is far better than yesterday: more stable, more modern and more developed. But there is still so much to be done.
As far as Albania is concerned, the priorities are known: the reform of the justice system, war against criminal phenomena, modern electoral system. Above all, we must show to all of those who still doubt, that the country knows how to face up to its pledges and responsibilities. I would like to emphasize here, the merit of this Assembly for the ratification of the SAA with the European Union of June 2006.
In other words, there must be a great deal of hard work to reply to the nonbelievers with hard facts. Above all, it is vital that we do not allow the eruption of new crises in the region. We have worked extremely hard for the region to get to the point it has reached. We would be far more disappointed than anyone else, if there were to be any steps backwards.
Our thoughts go to the last developments in Kosovo and in Bosnia. Suffice it to mention that Europe has the tremendous responsibility of enabling these scars of the Nineties’ to heal once and for all. But an even greater responsibility falls on the interested governments and peoples. I would like to say to them that, their Polar Star must remain that of the highest European values: peace, democracy, and respect for others and for their minorities. I would like to say to them that the internal boundaries will disappear within the greater European area. I even hope this will happen quickly, within the shortest possible time.
And finally, a word about Kosovo. This will be a decisive test, for Europe and the whole of the Balkans. The word needed is cohesion: in the sense that Europe and the region advance at the same pace now, as never before.
We are working very hard for the European Union to become ready over the coming weeks, for the moment when we will have to decide, together, about what we have to do.
Let us work together for this perspective. Let us show that Albania and the Balkans are members of the greater European family, with full rights.
I don’t know whether Albania really is a country created to produce titanic creatures, as Ismail Kadare relates. Without doubt it is a country where you feel comfortable, where for a fleeting moment, in some mysterious manner, you may have the illusion that you are something more than an ordinary human being.
Europe is in need of this today too. It needs to feed on the elation and the desire of all its peoples to live. To find, through them, something of its mythological, epic and fantastic dimension.