Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about Albania’s European integration process at the Interparliamentary Conference, “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession,” where he also addressed the country’s social and political climate.
Referring to the “Flamingo Revolution” protests, Rama said they had become an example of rising expectations among Albanian citizens.
“I’m sure you’ve been quite entertained by the flamingos lately,” Rama said, adding that Albania has made progress over the past decade and that citizens now expect more from the country.
According to the Prime Minister, Albania has moved from a period when people believed things could get worse to a stage where they believe things can get better.
“This is a revolution of rising expectations. People have realised that the country has the ability to aim even higher and become completely different,” he said.
Rama also addressed citizens’ concerns, mentioning uncertainty, anxiety and what he described as the spread of inaccurate information and conspiracy theories.
In his speech, the Prime Minister stressed that, unlike in some EU member states, Albanians continue to see membership of the European Union as an important goal.
“We still love the EU,” Rama said, adding that despite internal debates and disagreements, Albanians remain united on one issue.
“There is one thing we all agree on: we want to be part of Europe and we love Europe,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Rama appealed to European countries over the enlargement process.
“I very much hope that you will not leave us behind again, because it goes beyond that — it would also mean letting yourselves down. If Europe lets the EU down, it will be the greatest failure,” the Prime Minister said.
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