TIRANA, March 21 – European Union Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs Dimitris Avramopoulos has pledged financial and political support to Albania in case of a refugee influx.
Speaking during an official visit to Tirana last weekend, Avramopoulos said that there are no signs yet that Albania will become part of an alternative route for migrants, however he pointed out that measures should be taken for any potential scenario. He also praised efforts of the Albanian government to draw up a contingency plan.
“For any request coming from the Albanian government in case of an increased flow of migrants, the reaction on our part will be positive. This is a humanitarian crisis, and we don’t want it to turn into a humanitarian catastrophe,” Avramopoulos said during a joint press conference with Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri. Meanwhile, Tahiri assured Avramopoulos that Albania its ready to do its part and share responsibilities in the framework of a joint European plan.
“No country can handle this problem alone, but all together we can. Albania will be committed to do its part,” said Tahiri while at the same time highlighting the need for coordinated efforts on a European level.
The migration crisis was also the focus of talks between Avramopoulos and Prime Minister Edi Rama. The head of government assured the EU Commissioner that Albania will adhere to European values, and of its commitment to be part of a common European solution, the government said in a statement.
“Albania is ready to play its part within its powers in the framework of a joint European plan,” Rama told Avramopoulos.
The visit of the EU Commissioner corresponded with a deal struck between the EU and Turkey aimed at stopping the ceaseless flow of immigrants to Greece.
However, news of the deal did little to stop the influx with many migrants reportedly continuing to arrive at the Greek island of Lesbos over the weekend.
The Greek government has started to transport a number of refugees close to the Albanian borders in recent weeks raising fears that Albania will be caught up as part of a new route for refugees to reach the countries of north Europe after Macedonia decided to shut its border.
Last week, Greek authorities transported 162 Syrian refugees to a reception center in Konitsa in proximity of the Albanian border. Days later, another group of refugees were transported by bus to the outskirts of Ioannina, while Greek authorities have said they will continue distributing migrants to new camps just a few miles away from Albania.
Refugees seeking alternative routes to reach Germany or other north European nations have particularly worried EU member Italy, which fears that smugglers will transport the refugees across the Adriatic Sea to Italy in speedboats.
Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano is expected to visit Tirana in the next few days to sign a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at handling a potential migrant crisis.
