Albanian Leader Urges Europe to Pursue Peace Diplomacy
Amid growing fears of the Ukraine war spreading further into Europe, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has dismissed the idea that Russia plans to attack other European nations. Speaking to Al Jazeera during the Berlin Global Dialogue conference, Rama said it would be “completely stupid” for any country to challenge NATO or the European Union militarily.
Europe’s Security and Russia’s Provocations
Rama acknowledged that several EU member states, especially those bordering Russia, are facing daily provocations, including suspected drone incursions. However, Moscow has denied these accusations, labeling them as “Western hysteria.”
The Albanian prime minister emphasized that the European Union must enhance its defense capabilities while remaining committed to peace. Albania, a NATO member since 2009 and an EU candidate country since 2014, has consistently supported EU sanctions against Russia and condemned its invasion of Ukraine.
EU Urged to Develop Its Own Peace Plan
While expressing support for U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire, Rama criticized the European Union for lacking a concrete peace strategy and established an independent European diplomatic framework for peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also stated that he has not seen any significant European-led initiative to end the conflict.
Balkans Stability and EU Integration
Despite regional concerns about a possible spillover of the war, Rama reassured that Albania faces no direct threat from Russia. “We have no fears,” he said confidently.
The Albanian leader also highlighted his country’s accelerated progress toward EU membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently praised Albania’s “outstanding progress” in reforms, calling the nation “on the right track towards the European Union.”
