Merkel Hedges Bets on Albania’s EU Candidacy

Germany's leader has given a cautious thumbs-up to Albania's application to obtain EU candidate status, while declining to commit Germany one way or the other ahead of an important report.

“We treat countries on the EU path based on the reports coming from the European Commission,” Chancellor Merkel told a press conference in Berlin held with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

“In June, we will receive a new report where the Commission will have recorded the progress made, and will look at it with positivity and decide,” she added.

Despite an unconditional recommendation by the European Commission, the EU Council of Ministers in December postponed a decision on granting Albania candidate status, seeking a longer track record in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

EU ministers said they would await a new report from the Commission this June, covering implementation of anti-corruption and judicial reforms, before deciding on Albania’s application.

“Our country is part of Europe and will do everything, day after day, to merit the respect and place that Albanians aspire to,” Rama said in Berlin.

“Our government is determined to push forward with reforms that improve the life of Albanian citizens and guarantee a real fight against organized crime and corruption,” he added.