Balkans'Sentry

It will be very hard for Albania to integrate EU in the next few years. One week ago, Prime minister, Sali Berisha, brought back the membership questionnaire. Face up to the tome, he became ironic: “It was the biggest book ever published in Albania”.

But, no time to joke. Since last June, government and political opposition have quarreled over outcomes of the parliamentary election. The Socialist Party (opposition) has boycotted the house for 6 months. An oppressive atmosphere which is hindering the membership process: Stephan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, showed his concern about the Albanian political situation, arguing the democratic rules don’t comply with European norms.

In addition, Albania has to deal with a growing rate of corruption. And the Greek financial crisis isn’t going to smooth things over… (photo : muchYorik, CC)