Germany supports Albania’s membership in the European Union. However, Berlin says the pace of accession talks will depend on the implementation of reforms.
In an interview with Deutsche Welle, German Ambassador to Tirana Karl Bergner praised Albania’s progress. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption.
DW: Mr. Ambassador, how would you describe relations between Albania and Germany?
Karl Bergner: Albania and Germany cooperate closely in several areas. These include foreign policy and security.
Both countries are European partners and NATO members. Therefore, they face many of the same challenges. These challenges stem from changes in the global order and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Economic cooperation also plays an important role. Germany is Albania’s largest bilateral donor.
Germany supports infrastructure projects across the country. These projects improve water and energy supplies, wastewater treatment and waste management.
At the same time, Germany supports sustainable economic development. This includes projects in cities and, increasingly, in rural areas.
Furthermore, Germany and Albania work together to tackle climate change. Germany supports a greener economy and helps Albania adapt to increasingly extreme weather conditions.
Meanwhile, interest in Albania is growing in Germany. The country is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination.
The Albanian diaspora in Germany is also gaining importance. Many successful entrepreneurs are creating new links between the two countries.
As a result, these developments are strengthening economic and cultural ties between Albania and Germany.
DW: Does Germany support Albania’s ambition to join the EU? How realistic is the goal of completing accession negotiations by the end of 2027?
Karl Bergner: Albania and the other Western Balkan countries are part of the European family. For this reason, Germany strongly supports their EU membership.
Germany has long maintained that EU membership must be based on merit. Consequently, the timing of accession depends on the speed and scope of reforms.
In this context, Germany recognizes Albania’s goal of completing accession negotiations by the end of 2027. Albania has already made tangible progress. However, important challenges remain.
Germany provides extensive technical and financial assistance to Albania. This support helps improve citizens’ daily lives. It also supports the country’s EU integration process.
For example, Germany finances wastewater treatment plants in several Albanian cities. It also helps ministries align national legislation with EU standards.
However, Albania must take responsibility for implementing these reforms. The country needs to show determination, even when reforms prove difficult or affect important economic interests.
For example, Albania has committed to adopting a unified investment law by the end of this year. The law would replace the current framework for strategic investments.
Meanwhile, the European Parliament has repeated previous EU demands in its latest resolution.
In my view, this would mark an important step. It would improve transparency and create fairer conditions for businesses.
Albania’s EU ambitions also depend on the capacity of its public administration and business community. Both must adopt and apply EU standards effectively.
Germany’s position as Albania’s largest bilateral donor reflects its strong commitment. Berlin will continue to support Albania throughout its EU journey.
DW: Justice reform has entered a decisive phase. What are Germany’s expectations from Albania’s justice institutions over the next two years?
Karl Bergner: A strong rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and a pluralistic democracy form the foundation of European values.
Therefore, judicial independence remains essential. The fight against corruption is equally important, including efforts against high-level corruption.
These conditions are crucial for Albania’s progress toward EU membership.
In this regard, justice reform has played a key role in advancing Albania’s accession process. Looking ahead, Albania has committed to further reforms in the area of the rule of law.
This has been Germany’s main focus in Albania for many years. It will remain a priority.
Germany expects Albania to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence. It also expects the country to intensify its fight against corruption and organized crime.
However, changing laws alone is not enough.
The EU and Albanian citizens expect to see real results. They want tangible changes in practice. They also expect stronger public institutions and greater administrative capacity.
For Albania, the next stage will require not only new reforms but also their effective implementation.
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