Edi Rama in London: Albania will never host migrant camps

Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed from London that Albania will not accept any request to host asylum or migrant processing centers, repeating his earlier stance that “never in Albania” will such camps be established.

Why is this important: Rama’s statement came during a joint appearance with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić at Chatham House, where both leaders spoke on the Western Balkans’ European future. The issue of migration unexpectedly stole the spotlight when Spajić appeared more open to the idea of hosting migrant facilities if matched by European investment — a remark that prompted a sharp, ironic response from Rama.

“We have no corridors for migration in Albania,” Rama quipped. “But if they build you the railway and the road, then maybe you’ll accept the camps?”

What else: Rama also used the London stage to deliver his harshest criticism yet of British politicians who have scapegoated Albanians in migration debates. Referring to the rhetoric of figures like former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, he said:

“Let me remind those who mention Albanians whenever they need a scapegoat — shut that damn mouth. Stop blaming Albanians for your failures. Our community contributes energy, hard work, and pride to this country.”

Rama mocked Brexit-era politics, recalling the “Leave” campaign’s poster that depicted a “terrifying bird from Albania sucking Britain’s blood.”

“They promised that leaving Europe would stop immigration. Now they’ve left, and Albania is an even bigger topic. The problem isn’t Albanians or foreigners — it’s who takes the blame for this catastrophic decision to leave Europe,” Rama said.

Farage reference and humor: Asked about Nigel Farage, Rama confirmed that he had been invited to Albania but humorously declined his proposed arrival date.

“He wanted to come on our Independence Day. I told him that’s not a good idea — he’d have to face our national hero, and he’d look very small. He’ll come another time. Farage isn’t the problem; he’s just a mirror of Britain’s own problems.”

Europe, Brexit, and the Western Balkans: The conversation at Chatham House precedes next week’s Berlin Process Summit hosted in London — an irony Rama did not miss, given the UK’s departure from the EU. He contrasted Britain’s Euroscepticism with Albania’s enduring pro-European spirit:

“More than 90 percent of Albanians, despite disappointments, still believe in the EU. If there’s an alternative to freedom of movement, human rights, and the rule of law — show me. Until then, the EU remains our home, and Brexit only proves us right.”

Kosovo question: Asked about Kosovo’s EU path, Rama reiterated his view that Prishtina should “forget Serbia” and focus on fulfilling its own obligations, arguing that this is the only viable way to accelerate integration.