Our Italian Legal Consultant, Michela Marucci, participated, on March 15th 2016, in the Europe Forum organized from Albanian Institute for International Studies (A.I.I.S.) and the Embassy of the Republic of Italy, on the topic "State of affairs in Europe and the potential implication on the EU and EU enlargement" delivered by the Ambassador of Italy in Albania, H.E. Mr. Alberto Cutillo.

The major challenges EU is facing today is focused in areas such as economic crisis, austerity, immigration – Sirius crises and humanitarian assistance to refugees – Balkan route and Brexit (the Britain's potential exit from the EU in the aftermath of the June 2016 Referendum).

The current flux of immigrants and refugee has been in higher numbers than expected by the EU, for the first time, national management of external borders is not only an Italian problem but also a European issue.

H.E. Mr. Cutillo mentioned during his speech that Albania does not possess sufficient capacities to welcome the refugees and also he appreciated the decision of the Albanian Government not to put physical barriers in the Albanian national border as some of the countries in the region have done to prevent the flow of the immigrants.

The cooperation between EU and Turkey is considered crucial.

Another important point of the Ambassador's speech was on the possible exit of Britain from the EU (a.t. Brexit).

It is well note that Britain is considered to be a key member of the EU. However, H.E. Mr. Cutillo pointed that in case the area that supports the final exit of the UK from the EU wins the June 2016 Referendum, and then the EU enters into unknown situation.

Certainly, the potential exit of Britain can create concerns related to sovereignty, economic governance, free movement and, especially, other EU members may require similar conditions.

Last but not least, regarding the EU membership of Albania, H.E. Mr. Cutillo reiterated that the road towards full membership is not short.

It requires the accomplishment of fighting corruption, organized crime, an independent Public Administration and also an independent Judicial System. It is also necessary a consensus among all the EU Member States to grant a membership status.

In the current situation, there are two main ideas in the EU shared by different states: some states are not satisfied with the current situation in EU and they have a different idea of what a closer Union means, while there are other European states like Western Balkan states that want to join.

H.E. Mr. Cutillo indicated that the EU might develop into the direction of concentrated circles and multiple speeds of integration: one small circle moves intensify of the integration and a larger circle has a looser integration.

In case it happens, the enlargement, according as above, becomes easier.

However, on 25 March 2017, Europe is approaching the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome that established the European Economic Community. This is an extraordinary moment to reflect on the prospective of the future of the EU and its policies and mission.

Let's hope that the next 25 March is not going to be a commemoration but a celebration of the European Union ambitious project.

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