Rama Dismisses Fears of Russian Expansion in Europe
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama sought to calm regional anxieties during the Berlin Global Dialogue conference, declaring that Russia poses no threat to Albania or other European countries. “Russia will not attack Albania and Russia will not attack any other European country,” Rama stated, highlighting NATO’s readiness and collective strength.
NATO’s Strength and Daily Provocations at Borders
Rama underscored NATO’s status as the world’s strongest military alliance, noting that 23 out of 27 EU members are also part of NATO. He emphasized Albania’s alignment with alliance security measures, asserting that “NATO has nobody and nothing to fear.” Addressing the persistent tension, Rama mentioned repeated incidents of Russian drones and jets encroaching on the airspace of border nations like Poland, Finland, and Estonia, describing these actions as daily provocations that test alliance resolve.
The EU’s Role and Call for a Peace Plan
While acknowledging NATO’s security guarantees, Rama criticized the European Union for not having a clear peace plan for Ukraine. He called it “very strange” for the EU to lack a diplomatic solution, especially as the United States increases pressure for a ceasefire. Rama urged the EU to formulate a nuanced approach, warning that the absence of a plan risks prolonging regional instability.
Albania’s Progress and EU Aspirations
Prime Minister Rama also addressed Albania’s ongoing integration efforts into the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during a recent visit to Tirana, commended Albania for significant progress since 2022, signaling openness to the Western Balkans’ EU membership ambitions. Within Albania itself, Rama said, there is “no sympathy for Russia,” and the nation has not reported Russian drone incursions.