German ambassador: The European integration process requires sustained commitment, while high-level corruption cases are concerning

In an interview with DW, Germany’s ambassador to Albania, Karl Bergner, emphasized that the independence of the judicial system and an unhindered fight against corruption, including at the highest levels, remain essential conditions for membership in the European Union.

Bergner explained that Albania and Germany coordinate their actions across many policy areas, particularly foreign policy and security. As European states and NATO allies, they share the same challenges arising from transformations in the international order and the risks posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Another important dimension is economic cooperation. Germany, Albania’s leading bilateral donor, aims to improve the quality of life of Albanian citizens through investment in infrastructure, including water and energy supplies, wastewater treatment and waste management, while also promoting sustainable economic development in urban and rural areas. At the same time, bilateral cooperation focuses on combating climate change by supporting the transition to a greener economy and helping the country adapt to increasingly extreme weather conditions.

German interest in Albania is growing, particularly as a tourist destination. At the same time, the Albanian community in Germany is becoming increasingly influential. Within it, a group of innovative and successful entrepreneurs is creating new ties between the two countries. These trends are strengthening people-to-people relations and giving momentum to economic and cultural cooperation.

Asked whether Berlin supports the aspirations of Albania and neighboring countries to integrate into the EU, and how realistic the goal of concluding negotiations by 2027 is, the ambassador replied that Albania and the Western Balkan countries are an inseparable part of the European family and that Germany strongly supports their membership.

He emphasized that Germany’s traditional position is that EU membership should be based on the merits of each candidate country; therefore, timelines depend on the speed and quality of reforms. In this context, Bergner sees Albania’s goal of concluding negotiations by the end of 2027 as an ambition he recognizes, but stresses that although the country has made significant progress, major tasks still lie ahead.

The ambassador added that Germany’s substantial technical and financial assistance, beyond improving the lives of Albanians, is also intended to facilitate the country’s path toward the EU. This assistance ranges from building wastewater treatment plants in several cities, in preparation for the environmental chapters, to supporting ministries in aligning legislation with European standards. Ultimately, however, what is decisive is Albania’s willingness to carry out these reforms, even when they are difficult or affect powerful economic interests.

One concrete example is the adoption of a single investment law, replacing the current law on strategic investments. Albania has committed, under its Reform Agenda, to completing this by the end of the year, and the European Parliament has recently reiterated the EU’s previous demands. According to the ambassador, this would be an important step toward ensuring transparency and equal conditions for all companies.

Achieving the objective of EU membership also depends on the ability of the public administration and the private sector to absorb European standards. The fact that Germany remains Albania’s largest bilateral donor demonstrates its commitment to accompanying the country on this journey.

Regarding the justice reform, which is entering a critical phase, Bergner stated that a strong rule of law, respect for fundamental rights and a pluralist democracy form the foundation of European values. He stressed that guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary and making unrelenting efforts to combat corruption, particularly in cases involving senior officials, are absolute prerequisites for Albania’s advancement in the integration process.

According to him, justice reform has been a key factor enabling Albania’s progress toward the EU. Going forward, the country has committed to further reforms in the rule-of-law field, which has been and remains Germany’s main focus in this process. Bergner expressed his conviction that Albania will continue and intensify its efforts to strengthen the rule of law, judicial independence and the fight against corruption and organized crime. He added that changing laws is not enough; both the EU and Albanian citizens expect concrete and measurable results in practice, as well as the development of the necessary capacities within the administration and independent institutions.