The recent response from Greece to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s statement that “Northern Epirus is a dead term” has reignited tensions. Athens officially reacted through its Foreign Ministry, claiming that “history between the two countries does not change” and reiterating demands that Albania respect the rights of the Greek ethnic minority as a condition for EU membership. However, a closer look at the actual status of Greek minorities in Albania and the treatment of Albanians in Greece reveals a glaring double standard.
 |
| Edi Rama talking to Albanian immigrants in Thessaloniki (November 3, 2024 |
According to Albania’s recent census, the Greek minority numbers around 23,485 individuals, who enjoy full rights in the country. They are represented at all levels of government and administration, a legacy of inclusiveness that has been in place since the era of Enver Hoxha. This community has access to educational, political, and cultural rights, far beyond the level of basic protection, showing Albania’s commitment to respecting and integrating its Greek minority.
By contrast, Greece’s treatment of its substantial Albanian population tells a different story. Over one million Albanian immigrants live and work in Greece, many of whom face the requirement of adopting Greek-sounding names to obtain residence permits. Despite their contributions to Greek society, they are often forced to compromise their cultural identity to secure basic legal rights. Moreover, millions of Arvanites and Orthodox Cham communities—Albanian-speaking populations in Greece—are historically discouraged from speaking Albanian in public and from preserving their language and cultural heritage openly.
This contrast raises questions about Greece’s stance on minority rights. While it pressures Albania to uphold standards that it has already met, Greece continues to impose restrictive and culturally assimilative policies on its Albanian residents and historical Albanian-speaking communities. As Albania works towards EU membership, the European Union should consider not only Albania's record on minority rights but also Greece’s approach to its own diverse populations. Respect and recognition should be mutual values, rather than tools used selectively on the diplomatic stage.