EU Ambassador Ettore Sequi presents an EU perspective of Albania

On Wednesday, EU Ambassador Ettore Sequi spoke at a conference on EU integration and enlargement. The conference– which was co-organized by the Albanian Institute for International Studies, the European Academy, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Soros Foundation– focused on an EU perspective of Albanian integration, as well as the incentives and obstacles Albania faces. Ambassador Sequi began the conference by addressing critics of the integration process. He emphasized that, while some may say there is minimal benefit for Albania in joining the European Union, the reality is to the contrary. More specifically, the EU Ambassador stated that by joining the EU and aligning with its standards and common objectives, political stability, economic growth, and societal improvement will become evident in Albania. Even the mere process of working toward accession, before actual acceptance, will prove beneficial. In support of this, Ambassador Sequi noted that the EU accession process for Hungary resulted in a 380 percent increase in exports which contributed to remarkable economic improvement, and consequently, a higher standard of living. A similar pattern was also evident in the Czech Republic’s accession process as well. However, achieving these benefits requires much work and dedication, especially in fulfilling the Copenhagen Criteria. In this regard, the Ambassador emphasized that the time it takes to succeed in accession is ultimately determined by the potential candidates themselves. “Without political will integration is not possible,” he stated. In light of the current Albanian political crisis, the EU Ambassador added, “Without dialogue, the integration process is like a bike without wheels… but ultimately it’s your country, your future, and your responsibility.” Thus, though the European community may be ready to assist, the Albanian society and government must show that they are willing and ready to sustain the necessary reforms and earn further cooperation with the European Union.