Valuing the EU

“Our transition phase is everlasting”. Zemaida Mozali takes at heart the future of her Country, Albania, for which she envisages a “European horizon”. At the same time, she acknowledges its delays in the path leading to EU membership. The Barroso Commission recently drew a balance of the strategy regarding enlargement, dwelling into “the Land of Eagles”, which established the membership agreement with Brussels in 2006. “However, reality can vary according to the place of observation”, remarked Professor Mazali, who holds a European Integration chair at the University of Scutari and is in charge of International Relations in the city’s council, which is currently analysing EU documents “that will raise the level of our work to European standards”, in view of their implementation. Follows his interview with Gianni Borsa, SIR Europe correspondent in Brussels. Let’s start from Scutari, a city that in the course of history has been open to international relations. It’s a vantage point that overlooks Europe… “Yes, our city has commanded a view across borders and identities, and this vocation has been preserved in time. Since the 19th century, diplomatic or consular sees were located in Scutari that in turn has had its only diplomatic envoys in other countries. Today, the decentralization process under way in Albania makes it possible for each city and region to enjoy foreign relations. Thus, the town council set up an ad-hoc department. Our partner-cities are in Montenegro, Turkey, Italy and Hungary. We initiate cooperation projects with other Countries such as the Forum for the Adriatic and Ionian Area. These town-twinnings address cultural, artistic and economic issues, as well tourism, the academic environment and transports”.As relates to the academic framework, for the past seven years you have been teaching a subject related to Europe. “I teach the history of integration, of EU institutions and the decision-making process within the Community. In my courses we discuss the Lisbon Treaty, cohesion funds and regional policies along with EU enlargement; a subject we feel personally involved with. Special emphasis is equally placed on the EU-27 relations with the Balkans. I must admit that introducing the subject in the University programs wasn’t an easy task. I now plan to train students to view Europe as their next point of arrival and to consider themselves European citizens. For this, we have visiting professors and lecturers that promote the learning of different realties”. Do you believe that Albanians are in favour of a rapprochement between Tirana and Brussels? “It ought to be said that we don’t know enough about the European Union, nor of its assignments and achievements implemented throughout its Member States. However, I believe my fellow-citizens share the same optimistic view of the EU, and value it strongly. There is a positive disposition towards the EU”. What is expected of Europe?“Perhaps there are too many expectations, and far-reaching dreams, linked to the freedom to expatriate and find a job abroad. Also financing for national development is expected from EU adhesion, which is viewed as paving our way… But perhaps we should be the ones to meet EU expectations and train for this without sitting and waiting for the EU to move”. Thus what?“Community institutions often envisage a European prospect for the entire Balkan area, that includes Albania. In my opinion we should make the most of this phase of rapprochement to step up our economy and Public Administration. It is equally important to combat corruption and black wages. If we improve our country we will be ready for EU adhesion. We must however realize that the path leading to the EU can’t be undertaken by the government and by political authorities alone. Rather, each one has its own duties and responsibilities in this undertaking”. Are there just political and economic issues?“A lot of things have been changing in my Country; it made leaps forward since the fall of Communism in the economic sector, as relates to the local bodies, in infrastructure and town-planning. However, serious constraints to such developments remain. A change of mentality also ought to take place. We must gradually become European citizens”. Are there problems of coexistence between the different religions and ethnic groups? “Not as far as I know. There are different minority groups in Albania. Nonetheless, democracy and the respect for rights and freedoms have become part of its fabric”. Almost twenty years have passed since the fall of communism. Can you draw a balance of this new phase of national life? “In fact, a lot has changed for the better. However, delays and mistakes have been made. I believe we have made the most of the past 18 years of democracy: we still have a lot of work ahead of us. But I am optimistic”.