BNT exclusive: President of Albania on security in the Balkans and EU enlargement

Trust in the EU, as well as the growth and consolidation of the Western Balkan democracies are the guarantee against Russian influence in the region - this opinion was expressed in a special interview for BNT by Albanian President, Ilir Meta.

How is the original security architecture of the Balkans changing after Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

Ilir Mehta: I think that the whole global security architecture will change and adapt after this unprovoked and unjustified aggression of Russia against Ukraine, because this is a terrible precedent, caused by a very important international actor on the international scene, a permanent member of the UN Security Council. European architectural security will, of course, adjust to this reality. Many countries, including NATO, will adjust their defence and security policies. The Balkans, and the Western Balkans in particular, are also part of this adaptation to the new situation.

Fortunately, Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro are NATO members. Other countries are also part of a partnership with NATO and the Alliance, and all the countries of the Western Balkans are interested in becoming members of the EU. They are obliged to coordinate their foreign policy with that of the European Union. That is why I am convinced that the Balkans have left the worst behind. We must not take what has been achieved for granted, but take care to preserve it and consolidate it, to work together to remain a safe region, not only in terms of security, but also attractive for a faster and more sustainable development, and to take positive advantage of this situation to make the region a more important environment for investment, for energy security and for corridors. And, also, it is very important for us - Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and not only, but especially our three countries - to work more seriously, with more dedication, for the realisation of Corridor 8.

Yes, I was asking you about Corridor 8. During Mr Borel's visit to Tirana, I remember that he said that Russian disinformation in the Balkans was growing and that it was serving as an instrument to hinder European integration.

Ilir Meta: I am not here to say anything different from Mr Borel. But it is important that the European Union itself adheres more to its core values and tries to take more care of our democracies in the region - to grow and consolidate. Because that will avoid the erosion of trust in both the Union and our countries, which could be used for abuse by Russia or other actors who have an interest in undermining those values in our region.

We mentioned regional security. Is there a risk of a redrawing, a change in the borders of the Balkans, in particular in relation to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Ilir Meta: What is happening in Ukraine, unfortunately, and which nobody believed earlier, was probably a sign of the emergence in the Western Balkans of these ideas, crazy things that we have seen in recent years and in which, unfortunately, European Union officials are involved. We know how much the Balkans, and the whole of Europe, have suffered from these insane games that have caused such bloodshed in our region. And in this context, since all the countries of the Western Balkans are committed to being part of the European Union, everyone must be committed to its values. It is not a solution to redraw borders, but the only solution is to get rid of borders. That, first and foremost. Secondly, to apply the same standards - European standards - to minorities in all our countries. That is the only solution. And in this context, I think this is valid for Bosnia and Herzegovina and also for Serbia - to encourage the Serbian leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be constructive.

What is the Corridor 8 dimension for Bulgaria, Albania and North Macedonia and the context of transport and energy connectivity policies in this part of the Balkans?

Ilir Meta: Recent events have made our joint efforts more important to give new impetus to Corridor 8, which has been in stagnation for a long period of time. And it was mainly about rhetoric, empty words, deeds and projects. In this regard, I said to the leaders of your country, and in particular to the Speaker of Parliament, that it would be very important to seek more serious responsibility from our governments and institutions, to work together - Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, and also other countries that are interested. I am thinking in particular of Italy, which could also benefit greatly, as well as other countries and friends of our countries in the EU.

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