The Importance of EU Integration for Albania

Abstract

Throughout its history, Albania, has felt, both in terms of geographical position and culture, being part of the Europe. Under the slogan “ We want Albania to be like the rest of Europe “, popular protests in the early 90’s revealed the century’s-old dream. The first step taken by the country in the early 90s was the establishment of diplomatic relations with the European Union, and the two parties signed in 1992 a number of agreements that included the areas of Trade and Cooperation Development. By signing them, Albania was given the opportunity to benefit from the programs that the European Union offered to third countries. After these steps, came the expansion of these relations in other areas of special interest for Albania. Albania’s main achievement was the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU, which includes the establishment of a legal framework for cooperation and the gradual adoption of European standards. The signing of the SAA in 2006, the liberalization of visas in 2010 and the membership in NATO in 2009, constitute some of the most important milestones in the context of the Albania’s integration into the European Union. The signing of the SAA marked Albania’s arrival at a closer station to the European Union, as well as the successful crowning of a multi-year effort in this direction. The NATO Summit of April 2009 officially confirmed a dream of Albanians, by granting it the NATO membership. The image of the European Union for Albania is multifaceted. It is conditioned by bilateral relations and bilateral geostrategic interests, the historical legacy and the perception that the “receptors” of the EU or the representatives of its institutions in Albania or for Albania have for the country.