As EU officials further delay the visa-free regime by asking that a political compromise be reached first, Albania slips in last place in the region’s EU path, leaving behind a frustrated public.
Last week, the European Parliament delayed dealing with a resolution related to visa liberalization for Albania. The decision was met with frustration in Tirana, where common Albanians had hoped they would be able to celebrate the New Year with trips to European countries, after the European Commission had recommended the inclusion of Albania in the list of countries from where citizens can travel without a visa.
The decision came at the eve of the Sarajevo Summit, which was aimed to give assurance to the Western Balkans that the EU still wants them to join at some point. In addition, Bosnia, which was on the same boat as Albania for the recommendation, did get an approval in the form of the resolution by the European Parliament. In essence, Albania has been left behind – and alone – again.
Predictably, EU officials placed the blame squarely on Albania’s feuding government and opposition leaders for halting progress in the short-term goal of visa liberalization and the long-term goal of EU membership.
After trying to referee in the never-ending fight between Albania’s politicians over alleged elections irregularities, EU officials are now giving clear indications that they the EU will condition visa liberalization with the normalization of the political situation in Albania.
In doing so, EU officials have a powerful tool to push the political leaders to achieve results because of the public’s overwhelming support for the country’s European goals.
But the EU also stands to loose some hearts and minds with its actions. With the delay of the visa regime, the EU is punishing the Albanian public for the sins of its petulant leaders.
Albania has met the technical conditions for visa-free travel. But EU officials have postponed the decision twice. A third postponement is in the cards – over political reasons.
There doesn’t appear to be any relief on the domestic front either. Despite the lowering of the tone, the reality is that Albania is not out of the woods yet.
About two weeks ago the leaders of the two main political blocs reached a semi-settlement in an EU-sponsored meeting. That came only after they were warned that the political deadlock would stop European integration. In essence, Albania’s integration process would be suspended unless there was a solution to the political crisis.
After the meeting, held in Strasbourg, the opposition ended its hunger strike and protests and returned to parliament. Progress ended there though and so far there are no further steps to indicated two sides in Albania have the will to go towards a solution.
If disagreements on the political realm continue, they will harm both the short-term and long-term interests of the country.
