A Banner Year for EU Enlargement: Why Albania Holds the Key
The new European Commission has hit the ground running, vowing to revitalize the EU’s stalled enlargement policy.While skepticism abounds regarding the feasibility of integrating new members, Commissioner marta kos, responsible for enlargement, expressed optimism, suggesting the EU could welcome “one or more enlargement countries” into the bloc within its current mandate. Among these hopeful contenders, Albania, which recently commenced accession talks, stands out as a promising candidate.
Success hinges on identifying "easier" candidates—nations free from the conflicts and authoritarian threats plaguing many western Balkan neighbors.With Russia’s aggression casting a long shadow over the region and democratic backsliding continuing to undermine stability, the EU must reinvigorate its approach and live up to the momentum its leadership often promises.
For the EU, securing a successful enlargement story is critical. Success in Albania, with a genuine push from the EU and its member states, can create a domino effect, fueling trust and accelerating integration for other Eastern European hopefuls. Such a victory would not only restore the EU’s credibility in the Western balkans but also re-establish its role as a champion of democratic principles across the continent.
Albania: Ready to Lead the pack
While Montenegro currently leads the pack in the Western Balkans, it’s not alone. Albania has steadily progressed towards EU membership since gaining candidate status in 2014, overcoming repeated obstruction from member states and navigating the “enlargement fatigue” that characterized former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s era.
Demonstrating its commitment to EU standards, albania embarked on a thorough fight against corruption in 2016. A constitutional amendment paved the way for essential judiciary reforms,targeting corrupt judges and prosecutors,and those linked to organized crime. The establishment of the Specialized Structure for Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) in 2019 led to the prosecution of high-ranking officials, restoring public faith in the justice system.
Coupled with harmonization of economic and trade legislation, these advancements attract crucial foreign direct investment, promoting economic growth and easing Albania’s integration into the EU’s single market.Initiatives like the Western Balkans Growth Plan and the Common Regional Market further strengthen Albania’s path towards a prosperous future within the EU. Albania’s unwavering pursuit of membership exemplifies the transformative power of EU aspirations, showcasing how they can be a catalyst for profound democratic reform. Now, Albania stands ready to seize the renewed momentum created by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, capitalizing on its first intergovernmental conference on accession negotiations and the opening of the Fundamentals Cluster negotiations. These advancements allow for deeper reforms and pave the way for addressing persistent challenges.
Navigating Internal Challenges
As Albania prepares to face a crucial election, political tensions are rising.This volatile landscape is further compounded by the recent house arrest and subsequent release of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, ensnarled in a corruption investigation under SPAK. While opposition figures accuse SPAK of serving the incumbent Socialist Party’s agenda, Berisha’s pending trial adds a layer of complexity. The Socialist party’s dominance, coupled with resistance to the emergence of new political forces, underscores a worrying lack of political plurality and threatens to deepen the existing polarization within Albania’s political sphere.
Adding to these challenges, SPAK’s fight against corruption and organized crime has encountered resistance from vested interests, including political factions, criminal networks, and media outlets aligned with power structures. This pushback jeopardizes the integrity and security of SPAK and the special court, possibly undoing the notable progress achieved in judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts.
While these political hurdles present a serious challenge, they are arguably easier to overcome than the territorial disputes, foreign interference, and precarious inter-state relations hindering the accession processes of other Western Balkan nations.
Paving the Way for Regional Stability
From a wider regional perspective, supporting Albania’s EU integration offers an invaluable prospect to strengthen cooperation and foster a more stable Western Balkans. Free from the legacy of Yugoslavia’s violent disintegration, Albania maintains strong relations with its neighbors, presenting a model of peaceful coexistence. Alongside Montenegro’s advancement, Albania’s journey towards EU membership represents a balanced regional approach, potentially inspiring positive developments in North Macedonia and Kosovo, who are also striving to progress on their own accession paths.
Nationally,Albania enjoys the highest level of public support for EU membership in the region,a testament to their strong belief in the transformative power of the European project. A NATO member since 2009, Albania stands fully aligned with EU foreign and security policies, making it a strategically valuable partner.
The new European Commission presents a crucial window of opportunity to address these outstanding issues and revitalize the EU’s commitment to the Western Balkans. If both Albania and the EU maintain their political will and commitment to this endeavor,Albania could become the next success story in the EU’s latest wave of enlargement,joining Montenegro in expanding the bloc’s influence and promoting stability throughout the region.
How does the EU’s approach to enlargement impact regional stability in the Western Balkans?
Interview between Time.news Editor and EU Enlargement Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we’re diving into a engaging topic that intersects governance, international relations, and economic growth – the EU enlargement process, specifically focusing on Albania and its crucial role. Joining us is Dr.Elena Mirović, an expert in European political affairs. Thank you for being here,Dr. Mirović.
Dr.Mirović: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this significant topic.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. We’ve seen a renewed commitment from the European Commission towards enlargement, notably from Commissioner Marta Kos. What drives this newfound optimism about perhaps welcoming new members, especially albania?
Dr. Mirović: The optimism comes from a mix of strategic necessity and renewed political will. With geopolitical tensions intensifying, particularly with Russia’s actions, the EU recognizes the importance of stability in the Western balkans. Albania stands out as it’s actively pursuing reforms, particularly in the judiciary, which is crucial for integration into the EU.
Editor: Indeed, Albania’s progress in fighting corruption and judicial reforms is notable. Can you elaborate on what specific steps Albania has taken and how they position the country as a viable candidate?
Dr. Mirović: Certainly! Sence it became a candidate in 2014, Albania has made significant strides. The constitutional amendments initiated in 2016 have been transformative. They paved the way for establishing structures like the Specialized Structure for Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime, or SPAK, which has successfully prosecuted several high-ranking officials. These actions not onyl demonstrate Albania’s commitment to EU standards but also restore public faith in government and legal institutions.
Editor: That’s extraordinary progress. However, it’s important to consider the challenges as well. You mentioned in your insights that Albania faces difficulties from “enlargement fatigue.” How do you see this impacting Albania’s journey towards EU membership?
Dr. Mirović: Enlargement fatigue is a significant factor. Some EU member states are hesitant about adding new members due to their internal challenges and the long process that enlargement entails. However, if Albania continues its trajectory of reform and proves it can handle the responsibilities that come with EU membership, it could serve as a model for other Western Balkan nations. This success could reinvigorate the enlargement debate and mitigate the fatigue by demonstrating tangible benefits.
Editor: Speaking of benefits, how would Albania’s successful integration into the EU influence the regional dynamics in the Balkans?
Dr. Mirović: A successful enlargement to include Albania could create a domino effect, instilling confidence in neighboring countries like North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It would signal that the EU is serious about its commitments and could lead to accelerated reforms across the region. Moreover, it could reinforce the EU’s standing as a promoter of democratic values and stability, which is increasingly critically important in the face of rising authoritarianism.
Editor: It sounds like a potential turning point! As we look ahead, what are the critical actions that the EU can take to ensure Albania becomes a success story in its enlargement policy?
Dr.Mirović: The EU needs to provide consistent political support and, more importantly, be willing to communicate clear benchmarks and timelines. Financial investment and technical support for reforms will also be crucial. Moreover, the EU must remain engaged and avoid the pitfalls of previous enlargement processes that led to disillusionment.This is about building a sustainable and stable Europe, and albania’s progress can serve as a blueprint for future candidates.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mirović, for sharing your insights on Albania’s path toward EU membership. It’s a critical time for both Albania and the EU,and your expertise sheds light on what could be a significant chapter for Europe.
Dr. Mirović: Thank you! I hope this discussion encourages further engagement and understanding of these vital issues.
Editor: Absolutely! And thank you to our audience for tuning in.Stay informed with time.news as we continue to explore the evolving narratives within European politics.