In a recent article (before the NATO invitation, which was extended yesterday) the Financial Times had the following to say about Albania and its improving prospects for the future: “These are momentous days for Albania. Two separate events – Kosovo’s declaration of independence and … the invitation to join the NATO alliance – offer one of Europe’s poorest countries an unprecedented chance of improving its long-term prospects.”
“The invitation to join NATO is expected to boost Albania’s business climate, encourage more foreign companies to invest and accelerate the pace of modernization, according to European observers in Tirana,” said FT.
Meanwhile, according to the same source, “popular support for membership is high, with more than 90 per cent of Albanians in favor, according to opinion polls.”
“Acceptance into NATO would speed the ratification of the stabilization and association agreement with the European Union, and open the way for Albania to become a formal candidate for membership – although a starting date for accession talks may be a long way off, according to EU officials.”
Personally I think it is about time that we joined. And I say this not so much as a sign of the achievements of the current government, but first and foremost for the people of this country. As regards the current political class, there is great disappointment. However, such developments do bring about a renewed hope and a fresh awareness that things will improve in some form or fashion. Much has to be done, and Albania has still to face up to the illness of corruption and many other important issues affecting its people.
Joining the Nato alliance is indeed a huge step for Albania as a political and somewhat economical reasons. While it is true that Albania it is taking good steps towards modernization, it still faces many economic dilemmas. Corrusption still consumers the political class. The poor make the majority of the sicial class while the middle class is extremely low.
Dear Ervin,
I couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks for your comment.
Elvis
I think Albania is one of the most up and comin countries and we will hopefully soon join the rest of the europe, i dont really mind whether we join or not but it would be good for the country to be known as a european member and the free movement of the people, long live albania
I am so exited Albania finally joined NATO. Albania has a lot of potential, to become a powerful country, and hopefully in the future it will assisst more than to be assisted. It is time that our voices are heard. Time is coming, and we await GOOD change with our arms open. This is a great step forward. Albanian forever!
This is a day for all albanians to welcome this invitation to enter nato.I am very posotive that the albanian people will blossom from this historical event,such a beautiful country,with beatifull people we will move forward quickly to remove all sorts of corruption and make albania a better country. We will sucseed.I congratulate all albanians around the world, GEZUAR GJITHVE KJO DITE “HISTORIKE”.
I consider Albania to be part of the new Europe. Becoming a member of NATO is another step in the right direction for Albania. I hope that industry from other countries will eventually come to Albania in spite of the corruption in politics. Albania’s labor force is ripe for new European jobs!!!