In a significant speech during an Iftar dinner in Tirana, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama made strong declarations about Europe's future, emphasizing the crucial role of Muslims, particularly those from Albania and Turkey, in shaping the continent's trajectory. Speaking during the holy month of Ramadan, Rama highlighted that not only are Albanian Muslims not a problem for Europe, but they also represent a valuable asset as potential new members of the European Union.
"Today, Europe needs as many loyal citizens and partners of the Islamic faith as possible, like the Albanian Muslims. Furthermore, it needs the five pillars of Islamic wisdom to recover its international standing and strengthen its geopolitical security," Rama stated.
His remarks extended beyond Albania, positioning Turkey and other Middle Eastern allies as indispensable to Europe's stability and progress. According to Rama, the EU, grappling with strategic challenges, requires strong partnerships with Turkey and the broader Balkans to maintain its global influence.
"In its diminished strategic profile, Europe today needs Turkey and its Middle Eastern allies more than they need today’s Europe," Rama asserted, underlining a shift in geopolitical dynamics.
Rama’s statements reflect a broader debate on European integration and its future direction. While Albania continues its path toward EU membership, his speech signals a call for a reevaluation of Europe’s stance on Turkey and the Muslim world, advocating for a more inclusive and strategically driven expansion policy.
His perspective, however, is likely to spark discussions across European political circles, where opinions on enlargement and integration remain deeply divided. Whether Europe will heed Rama’s call and embrace a new vision of collaboration with the Islamic world remains to be seen.