Oct 14, 2024 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania will open two Italian-built migrant reception centers this week. Located in Shëngjin and Gjadër, the centers will be managed exclusively by Italian authorities, with no involvement from Albania.
“They will be accompanied by Italian officials in a location under Italian jurisdiction,” Rama told Reuters in an interview. “There is no interaction with our authorities during their journey or stay.”
Rama also addressed the possibility of extending such agreements to other European countries. Asked if Albania could partner with Germany, he said the country currently lacks sufficient capacity. “Germany must find another partner,” Rama said.
Ahead of the Berlin Process summit, set to take place today, Rama spoke about Albania’s ambition for an expanded Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) in the Western Balkans. He said such a move would help the region align with European Union standards as Albania works toward EU membership by 2030.
“Regulating the CEFTA mechanism is key,” Rama said.
The summit, hosted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, will include leaders from Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The European Union aims to strengthen regional stability and counter external influence, particularly from Russia, as the Balkans move closer to European integration.
