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bne February 2022 Southeast Europe I 77
“In his official capacity as prime minister of Albania in particular, Berisha was involved in corrupt acts, such as misappropriation of public funds and interfering with public processes, including using
his power for his own benefit and to enrich his political allies and his family members at the expense of the Albanian public’s confidence in their government institutions and public officials,” the May statement from the State Department said.
Berisha dominated the political scene as prime minister and president from
1991 to 2013. He was Albania’s second post-communist president, holding
the post from 1992 to 1997, going on
to become prime minister from 2005
to 2013, which makes him Albania’s longest-serving democratically elected leader. He twice headed the Democratic Party, which has been in opposition since he resigned in 2013, when the Democrats were ousted from power by the Socialists led by Albania’s current prime minister, Edi Rama.
Basha was mayor of Tirana from 2011
to 2015, having previously served as first minister of public works, transport and telecommunications and later as interior minister under Berisha.
After the loss of the April 2021 election – which Basha called an “electoral massacre” and claimed was rigged – several high ranking members of the Democratic Party called on him to resign. However, he successfully stood for re-election as party leader in the summer leadership election.
Kosovo announces plans to apply for EU membership
Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje
Kosovo has informed the EU about its intention to apply for EU membership, the Council of the EU said on December 7.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but it is still not recognised by Belgrade as a separate state. Five EU members also do not recognise Kosovo. This effectively stymies its progess towards EU accession until a resolution is reached with Serbia, which is already in the midst of accession negotiations.
At the meeting in Brussels, the members of the Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) reviewed Kosovo’s progress on its European path following the publication of the European Commission’s 2021 report on Kosovo. The parties welcomed Kosovo’s renewed commitment to its European path.
The meeting was chaired by Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The EU delegation was led by High Representative Josep Borrell, and included Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi.
The parties discussed recent developments relating to the fulfillment of the political criteria, as well as the
state of play concerning the economic criteria, financial cooperation and implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), the Council of the EU said in the statement.
The SA Council members agreed on the need for Kosovo to continue with reforms and required increased focus by all political actors, strengthening of the administrative capacities and an effective coordination structure within the Kosovan institutions.
The parties reiterated the importance of visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens.
They noted the Kosovan government’s commitment to enhance the rule of law, fight against corruption and organised crime and respect for fundamental rights, as well as to pursue public administration reform and economic development, and support education and employment.
The meeting underlined the importance of constructive engagement in the EU-facilitated dialogue with Serbia to negotiate and achieve a comprehensive legally binding normalisation agreement.
“This is crucial in order for Kosovo and Serbia to advance on their respective
European paths. All past agreements need to be respected and fully implemented,” it was said.
Borrell was cited by Kosovan broadcaster RTK as saying that the meeting between Kosovo’s PM Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is unlikely to take place this year. He added that there can be no new high-level meeting until the previous commitments are not implemented.
Borrell said that the establishment of the Association of Serbian Municipalities
is part of the Brussels agreements and this part of the agreement must be implemented by the Kosovan side.
Varhelyi said that the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia needs to be accelerated in order for the Western Balkans to benefit from the economic investment plan, RTK reported.
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