A Balkans mini-Schengen area and EU integration were the focus of Albanian Premier Edi Rama’s speech in the Congress of the Socialist Party (PS). The government chief said Albania has backed the initiative since the beginning and will continue to lead the process.

As for the Summit of Brussels this spring, with EU countries will discuss and decide about opening the negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, Rama said he won’t be waiting again, because, according to him, Albania has done its part and now it is EU that must deliver and open the negotiations.

“Through this process (mini-Schengen) we strengthen our candidature to become EU member”, Rama told the Congress. “We won’t be waiting for any gift from Europe, our duty is to make an Europe here”.

“Whether they open the negotiations today or tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, this is up to them in EU. We won’t be waiting anymore, neither in March, nor in May, October, December or ever. If they wish, let them open the talks; if they don’t wish, let them not”, said the Albanian Prime Minister. “When they have the time, they will open them and we’ll thank them. Enough with preparing a wedding banquet where the other family does not show up! Despite of them not opening the negotiations as promised, we continued to work and will continue to do so as if they were opened. It’s our duty to do this for the Albanians, Albania and our children”.