Von der Leyen in Tirana, Zogaj: Albania’s two great challenges are justice and the environment

The progress of the European integration process and the messages conveyed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were at the centre of the “Trialog” programme on RTSH, moderated by journalist Alba Alishani. During the discussion, analyst Preç Zogaj described the arrival of the European executive’s leaders as a scheduled working visit which, although routine in nature, always carries a particular political weight.

According to Zogaj, the European Commission chief represents an encouraging vision for the future of the region and of the Union itself, in a period with many geopolitical challenges.

Regarding Von der Leyen’s figure and Europe’s confrontation with contemporary risks, he said that “not only is she the number one of the executive of the European Union we want to join, but she is also a woman who, in my opinion, embodies that spirit of a United Europe and the vision of enlargement”.

“I am very enthusiastic about her, about this vision of a Europe that strengthens cohesion in the face of the many risks that have increased from the east, from the west, from all sides, and at the same time keeps lit this torch of enlargement,” Zogaj said.

Diplomatic language and Albania’s tasks

Further on, the analyst dwelt on how the public statements of senior European officials should be read, stressing that beyond diplomatic courtesy, the main messages on reforms have been conveyed clearly.

Regarding the purpose of the visit and the main points underlined for Albania, Zogaj explained that “she came here, she has not come to play the judge, as that is not the purpose of the visit”.

“There are others, there are other structures that work behind the scenes that speak harshly and say things. But she said — she named the two great challenges of Albania in relation to entering Europe, on this road of entry into Europe, which are the judiciary — that is, justice — and the environment,” Zogaj commented.