"The Greek government agreed to start the process for signing the Defense and Security Agreement between the EU and Tirana based on the specific draft agreements with Albania and other candidate countries of the Western Balkans".
This is what the Greek media "Antinews" writes in an article published today. According to this media, the internal discussions between the co-competent bodies of the EU started in January of this year, but a few days ago specific drafts of an agreement with Albania and other candidate countries of the Western Balkans were proposed.
According to the newspaper, the reason is the inclusion of Albania in the broader objectives of the "Strategic Compass" of the EU, such as those of security and defense.
"The Greek government, despite the public declarations of an unwavering attitude towards Prime Minister Edi Rama and amid rumors about the inclusion of the imprisoned mayor of the Municipality of Himarra, Fredi Beleris, in the list of New Democracy candidates for the EP, agreed to start the process for signing of a Defense and Security Agreement between the European Union and Albania. The related internal discussions, between the co-competent bodies of the EU, had started since January of this year, but a few days ago specific drafts of an agreement with Albania were proposed and other candidate countries of the Western Balkans.
Reliable sources emphasize that the initial drafts especially include Albania in the broader objectives of the EU's "Strategic Compass" with the approval of Tirana's future participation in Political Missions and Military Operations of the Common Security and Defense Policy. Particularly important is Albania's success in launching cooperation in cyber defense and dealing with hybrid threats, as these are areas with a privileged relationship of Tirana, so far, only with the United States of America. In other words, the phenomenon is observed that Washington treats the "Strategic Compass" and in general the EU's strategic autonomy with suspicion, but Mr. Rama manages to discuss the same issues and be accepted by both sides of the Atlantic," the article reads.
Greece has vowed to block Tirana's EU aspirations unless the case of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, imprisoned in Albania since May, is resolved.Greece says his human rights are being violated.