Rama: Western Balkans support key for Ukraine amid Western ‘excuses’

The Western Balkans is ready to contribute to the fight against Russia amid European and Western “excuses” and “constraints” over aid, adding that EU member states need the region for its security, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama in an interview before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the country.

Rama added the role of the Western Balkans is becoming even more crucial to the EU as they are beginning to understand that while facing the common enemy of Vladimir Putin:

“As much as we need you, you need us. Why? First and foremost, for what is dearest to you- security,” he said.

Zelenskyy arrived in Tirana for a Ukraine-Southeastern Europe summit that will be held on Wednesday (28 February), followed by an EU-Western Balkan leaders summit the day after, expected to focus on the EU’s new Growth and Stability Plan.

The Ukraine talks in Albania are the latest in a string organised in European countries such as Malta, France, and Switzerland.

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When asked what Tirana could bring to the table amid Ukraine ‘fatigue‘, issues getting consensus at the EU level over funding, failure to meet ammunition delivery pledges, hesitancy over some forms of military support, and various vetoes and delays, Rama called out the West for the current state of affairs.

“Looking to our countries, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina that are in full solidarity with Ukraine, will say something to the bigger, richer guys. Their pledges are there, their engagement is there, but I am not sure the excuse of all these delays and constraints can stand for much longer,” Rama said in the interview.

“Everyone has to deliver,” he added.

Albania’s prime minister said that he does not believe the summit and the involvement of the region will change the pace of things for the whole democratic community, but he will not underestimate the contribution and impact they can have.

“We are doing our job”, he added.

The summit will be attended by regional leaders from Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, though Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will not attend, sending instead “representation at a low diplomatic level”, according to Euronews.

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Discussing the summit scheduled for Thursday, which will also see participation from Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, amongst others, Rama explained that the growth plan, launched in 2023, is a step forward in terms of stagnating enlargement.

“Every step forward in getting closer among each other is a step forward towards the European Union. Every step forward towards the European Union is a step forward towards enlargement,” he added.

As for the upcoming European Parliament elections and the possible rise of the right, Rama is not worried and said that everything may change in Europe, but the need for enlargement and the common enemy of Putin will not.

“Putin helped wake them up after a long, complacent sleep vis a vis the Balkans, and vis a vis Ukraine and Moldova, it is the collateral, good effect of this nightmare. I do not see enlargement being questioned.”

On the topic of Dutch outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte set to lead NATO later this year, Rama is in favour.

“Rutte going to NATO is very good news for NATO. He is also 100% our candidate. With Mark Rutte at the top, NATO will have a very skilful politician and a true leader who knows how to deal in difficult situations and has proven capable of making compromises,” he said.

Rama continued that Rutte could be the voice of Europe in the US and vice versa, particularly with the spectre of former US President Donald Trump returning to the White House.

“Rutte is the right person to talk to every US president. Trust me, I know for a fact,” Rama said.

(Alice Taylor | Euractiv.com)