In the column "Here and now" on NOVA Desislava Banova-Plevnelieva met with N. Pr. Enid Milo. In a frank conversation, the ambassador of Albania in our country talks about when his country will become a full member of the European Union, what they think in Tirana regarding the historical dispute between Sofia and Skopje and why should we visit Albania?
Mrs. Enid Milo is Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania in Bulgaria since January of this year. She joined the diplomatic service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania in 2004. as an Affairs Officer of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Her previous positions include First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Albania to the United Nations in Geneva, Political Counselor at the Albanian Permanent Delegation to NATO, and Counselor at the Albanian Embassy in Berlin. In February 2018 she moved to Tirana, where she became the director of NATO affairs and Albania's security policies, and since 2019. assumes the post of head of the working group of the Albanian presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Your Excellency, thank you for the opportunity to talk! The good news for Albania is that your country has started real EU membership negotiations after being separated from the Republic of North Macedonia. Your Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed regret that the Republic of North Macedonia will fall behind on the path of its European integration because of the historical dispute with Bulgaria. Isn't this historic debate unnecessarily politicized, even in Albania, given the fact that there is full agreement from 26 countries on the called “French proposal“?
First of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to the Bulgarian public and spread our messages. As you know, Albania is fully committed to its path to European integration and we are really happy to have started the real negotiations. As Albania was grouped with North Macedonia, which faces geopolitical challenges, Albania's progress was delayed and only after the unanimous decision of the Permanent Representatives to the EU from October 2024, the second intergovernmental conference, held on 15 October, marked the start of accession chapters on the main elements – human rights, rule of law and democratic institutions.
We regret the challenges faced by the Republic of North Macedonia alone in the historical dispute. We believe that dialogue and mutual understanding would be the only way to resolve these issues. Albania is now looking for an accelerated accession process, without further delay or obstacles, which is essential not only for the Western Balkans, but also for the EU itself. Especially given the impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the region and Europe. Albania continues to support the sovereignty and internal affairs of our neighbors and of course, we will continue to support North Macedonia's EU bid when the time comes.
When do you think Albania will become a full member of the EU?
Very good question. We are determined to work hard and hope to achieve positive results. EU membership is beneficial not only for Albania, but also for the EU itself. Since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the EU has prioritized further enlargement, paving the way for countries such as Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, while also reviving the stalled enlargement process for the Western Balkans. Regarding the timeframe for Albania's full EU membership, the EU gives us a mostly positive initial assessment. We have already worked with the Commission and created a road map for our work towards the EU. Of course we are aware that this requires hard work and no specific dates are set. It is hoped that it will be possible to hold another intergovernmental conference before the end of the Hungarian EU presidency at the end of December.
The Prime Minister of Macedonia, Hristijan Mitskoski, claims that there are more Bulgarians in Albania than in the Republic of North Macedonia. Could you tell us how Bulgarians live in Albania?
As the ambassador of Albania, it would not be right for me to comment on the statements of the Prime Minister of a country with which we have very good relations and cooperation. However, in response to your question, I can confirm that the Albanian National Statistical Institute conducted a population and household census in 2023. The census results provide an overview of the demographic situation in Albania, including data on social, economic and migration trends, among other factors.
In terms of minorities, according to the census results, there are about 7,000 Bulgarians living in Albania, among other communities such as the Greek minority, Gyptians, Aromanians and North Macedonians. The Albanian constitution guarantees the rights and freedoms of all minorities living in Albania, incl. the Bulgarian community. Here I must quote my Prime Minister, who emphasized that there is not a single minority in Albania facing challenges due to their ethnicity, nor can such problems be observed among those of Albanian nationality.
This problem does not exist. Bulgarians in Albania live in harmony with all other communities and contribute to the diversity of our cultural nature. We value our positive relations with Bulgaria and are committed to respecting and ensuring all rights and freedoms of all communities living within our borders.
Pan-European transport corridor, number 8, is a priority for Bulgaria and Albania, as it is planned to connect the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea. Hristijan Mickoski's first intention was to block the future construction of the corridor. In October, Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia reaffirmed their commitment to complete the project, but unfortunately, after that, new signals came from Skopje that the corridor was not a priority for them. How would you comment?
Pan-European transport corridor number 8, as you mentioned, is a vital project that will improve connectivity between the Black Sea region and the Adriatic. It is beneficial not only for Albania and Bulgaria, but also for the entire region. We hope that all parties involved will work constructively to ensure the continuation of this significant infrastructure project. We are hopeful that the concerns expressed by the Republic of North Macedonia could be resolved through dialogue. Regional cooperation is essential for the economic development and prosperity of the entire region.
Albania and Italy have concluded the first ever bilateral agreement to send migrants outside the EU. Do you think this model can be sustainable and applicable in other countries to solve the migration crisis in Europe?
Yes, this is a very important issue that has attracted a lot of media attention both in Albania and outside our country. I would like to emphasize that our agreement with Italy is a positive step towards addressing the growing migration challenges in Europe. I will again quote our Prime Minister who said that this is a model for solving the migration problem. This is an effort from our countries, but whether it will be applicable to other member countries is their decision. Border management is the prerogative of the Member States. As for our migration deal with Italy, this is a one-off, despite interest from other governments. Italy, as you know, is our strategic partner and we have a deep-rooted friendship. The deal with Italy is based on years of joint enforcement between the Italian and Albanian coast guards. You know that the entire management process will be carried out by the Italian authorities. As I said, I hope this model will contribute to the ongoing discussion of migration challenges in Europe.
How would you assess Bulgarian-Albanian relations and what are the prospects?
The relations between Albania and Bulgaria have always been strong and marked by joint cooperation. We share historical and cultural ties, and very deep ones, and we are positive about our future development in trade, in areas such as tourism, trade and infrastructure. We see great potential in further cooperation between our two countries.
More and more Bulgarians are choosing to vacation in Albania. Could you tell us what we don't know about your country to encourage more Bulgarians to visit Albania?
I am very glad to hear this question. Albania is a country rich in natural beauty – from our magical mountains to the beautiful shores of the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. I'm not sure if Bulgarians know that Albania offers a lot: from warm hospitality, through delicious Mediterranean cuisine to a lively cultural life. We would be happy to see more and more Bulgarians discovering our wonders – from the mountains to the beautiful crystal clear beaches of the Albanian Riviera.
Could you show us Albanian works or something particularly interesting to you?
Here are elements of traditional Albanian life. I will start with a traditional Albanian ketchup worn mostly in northern Albania, a symbol of Albanian life in the north, of Albanian fighters and traditional everyday life. You see, and you are familiar with it in Bulgaria... this is the opinga – shoes worn throughout Albania. But this particular species is from southern Albania – black with red pompoms. They are worn at folk festivals and for dances. Here are different types of menz used in Albanian families. This is of course a more artistic variety – for pouring drinks, water, wine and for serving in everyday life.
Albania and Bulgaria share many common things in folklore. We have the same – we use them at weddings, when the couple starts a new life, symbolizing their life going like water.
Yes, I have heard of similar customs in Albania. Of course, as we talked about, we have a lot in common. Here I would like to point out a very important person from our history – Ismail Chemali, called “father of the nation”. He is one of the main authors of our Declaration of Independence. He was our prime minister and foreign minister, leading Albania since 1912. in the first years of our independence. Very important for our nation and history.
This is an Albanian lady from the south, dressed in traditional clothing. With a very colorful costume which means joy and prosperity for the family, with lots of ornaments and ornaments which shows that she comes from a wealthy family. Here is our national hero – Skanderbeg. Very famous in Europe, lived in the 15th century. He creates the called “Light League“ in 1444 He is known in Europe for fighting against the Ottoman Empire, and during those years he was in agreement with the Doge of Venice to save those parts of Europe, then Albania, from the Ottoman Empire.
I have not been to Albania, but now, learning more, I would like to visit your country! You have been in Bulgaria since January this year. If you had to tell an Albanian friend about Bulgaria, what would you share?
If I had to describe Bulgaria to an Albanian friend, I would describe the beautiful landscapes, rich history and friendly people. For me, Bulgaria is a country where tradition meets modernity. I have seen such beautiful places in Bulgaria – natural attractions such as the Rhodope Mountains are a place that looks both familiar and unique.
What is your favorite place in our country?
I have only been here for a year and have visited some wonderful places in the country. As I said, the Rhodopes, Plovdiv, Sozopol, Nessebar, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would say Plovdiv and Nessebar. They combine ancient history and modern life. I feel them somehow familiar and the atmosphere is very welcoming and inspiring.
Have you learned Bulgarian words?
Yes! Good morning! Thanks!
The most important!
Yes, extremely useful words for my daily life.
Your Excellency, what is the greatest miracle in your life?
Life itself is a miracle. To study every day. The experiences you have every day. This is an opportunity to enrich yourself – in life and through communication every day. But to name a few, representing my country, engaging in meaningful diplomacy, these are some of the privileges I have enjoyed so far.