Former ambassador Agim Nesho has commented on the IBAR report and the process of Albania's integration into the European Union, stating that the non-approval of the report by Brussels constitutes a negative signal for the Albanian government.
Nesho, in a conversation on the 'Lunch Program' in News24 with journalist Ola Brukon, the report is “bad news”, as it highlights serious issues related to the rule of law, independent institutions and the democratic standards required by the EU. The former diplomat said that, although the Albanian government has not been transparent with public opinion on the content of the discussions in Brussels, semi-official information shows that several European countries have raised serious concerns about the situation in Albania.
He specifically mentioned Germany and the Netherlands as countries that, according to him, have shown reservations regarding democratic standards and the functioning of institutions in the country. Nesho accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of damaging the justice system and creating a climate where, according to him, “the state of balance does not function”. Nesho also commented on issues related to corruption in the government, mentioning the name of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. According to him, the integration process can only move forward if there is real political will to meet the standards required by the European Union.
"The IBAR report is bad news. Mr. Rama openly does not implement the main criteria that make it possible for Albania to approach the EU. As is the chapter on the rule of law, independent institutions. In semi-official announcements, since the Albanian government should have been open with the Albanian public opinion, we know that they have raised a serious concern, such as Germany, the Netherlands, but also other countries. The Albanian state is very far from the standards that the EU requires. Albania has a big problem, despite the declarations. After the EU issue was launched as a battle horse of the 4th mandate for Rama. Germany is very focused on the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU, so it has a lot of influence. The facts have been available for a long time from the EU, we have heard them in the European Parliament. The issue that this region should, from a geopolitical point of view, be included in the EU so that it is not used by other non-European influences has always been viewed positively. Therefore, at these moments, Rama attacked justice and made it impossible not to close our eyes to these EU countries. There is a postponement, which is within this year. I do not think that compromises can not be reached, but they require political will. This process must be taken seriously by Mr. Rama. He is used to bringing members of his cabinet who are caught in corruption to justice. The "Balluku" issue is the Rama issue. It could be Rama who will meet EU leaders, he could justify himself and say that; I removed Balluku from the leadership positions. But the state of balance does not work," he said.
