When you listen to the Dutch Prime Minister, who in 2020 at the Sofia Summit, had a physical fight with the International Leader of the Western Balkans, the question arises - what radical change has happened in Albania that the Netherlands changed its attitude?
Reforms? Has crime decreased among Albanians in the Netherlands? Could it be that the story of the Dutch girl who left the Netherlands to live in sunny Albania softened the Dutch Prime Minister, who, it must be said, looked up to the Reformer?! Or the discovery of 100% financier Shell in block 4 in Spirag, benefits for the Netherlands? (Shell is the most important Dutch company with a presence in Albania.
Tough question? Not at all! Just take a look at the history!
History cruelly reminds us that Albania became part of the League of Nations in December 1920. Foreign studies show that in exchange for this participation, the government gave the following concession:
1) to D'Arcy Exploration & Co. Ltd., a branch of Anglo-Persian Oil Co, 33,642 hectares for exploitation in the oil-bearing areas in Berat and Durrës.
2) 47,213 hectares for exploitation were given to the Ferrovie dello Stato company in Vlora and Berat.
(3) To SIMSA (Società Italiana Miniere di Selenizza), 2,140 hectares were given for exploitation. SIMSA, originally operated in the field of bitumen, and was one of the companies that had been the object of Italian diplomatic intervention at the time of the first negotiations with Zog for Italian aid in 1925.
(4) Ferrovie dello Stato had also acquired 116,825 hectares for exploration in Berat, Durres and Vlora.
(5) There was no lack of French presence through (Crédit Général du Pétrole), with an area of 118,193 hectares for research.
Until 1932, the Albanian Government had granted 5 concessions for the use of oil-bearing areas. One year of economic and political difficulties was enough, and in 1933 the number of concessions for "supporters in the international arena" tripled to 15.
The oil fields in which the new drilling plants were developed were those of Devolli and Patos (which had been used by the British, until that time).
It is interesting that in 1936 Italy counted the oil it exported to Albania as its Import (that is, as an Italian product). In 1936, 407 tons of Albanian oil was reported as imported by Italy, and in September 1943, the total Italian production in Albania was about 470,000 tons.
Well, the story makes us laugh! We look forward to 100 years of being led by leaders who can honestly be considered international brands! Yes, yes strategists, who have bought the international political support, which they sell as their achievements, by exchanging the wealth of the Albanians at the negotiation tables. Meanwhile, Albanians, in poverty, kill brother for the fence.
Finally, there is no free lunch! How do we say in these cases? Thanks to the Dutch Prime Minister for the support. We are happy that you were satisfied with the agreement! While this tone "Take from our days"!
Let's get him a song, let your heart sing!
Just please, no more polyphonic, because polyphony takes all the fun out of it! How about a lute or a corsair serenade? Even a season in Shkodra for the Dutchman would not be bad!
Note: The data is taken from Alessandro Rosseli's book "Italy and Albania Financial Relations in the Fascist Period".