Apparently it is of essence to denote that, though Albania is a country that has the aptitude to develop economically and politically. Their capacity to engage in beneficial associations is evidently suppressed due to their earlier engagements (McCormick and Jonathan 47). In essence, being part of the Ottoman Empire that was predominant in 17th century affected Albania in many apparent ways. Though Ottoman Empire was developed for as good course as it may give the impression. Times associated with it are deemed unproductive and unrefined considering that it had a lot of biases that technically alienated non-Muslim countries (Bogdani and John 47). Being part of such an association held Albania back politically and economical while the European nations that were part of the many beneficial associations moved forward. European Union being the most acknowledged association that was founded in 1954 has since developed its member countries in many apparent ways. Considering that most of the Albanian population predominantly consists of Muslims that hold high admiration towards the ottoman past, entering the European Union was deemed pervasive and against the odds (Bogdani and John 45). In addition to the above, Albania alienated itself from the European Union owing the fact that the majority of the 28 countries that form part of the EU are principally Christians.
With time, the developments realised in the countries that form part of EU have since attracted Albania and stirred their desire to join this union (Bache, Ian, et al 76). In an effort to join this union, Albania has been aggressively seeking to join it through their many EU applications attempts. In 2006, for instance, Albania signed stabilisation and association agreements a step that is perceived to be essential towards joining the EU (Bogdani and John 34). With the above said, this paper seek to establish ways in which Albania has been affected by not entering the European Union. Additionally, it will establish the steps they need to make prior to joining the EU, and finally establish reasons why they had different perceptions regarding entering EU in the past. Arguably, Albania was held up and hesitant to join the EU predominantly because they attached themselves with the Ottoman Empire that was in it unproductive. However, there is a room for them to develop by complying with the requirement of joining the EU.
Apparently, being alienated from the European Union has since affected Albania in many apparent ways. Firstly, this country cannot enjoy the many privileges attached to being a member of the EU. Considering that EU act as a framework where its members engage in trade affairs indiscriminately. Being alienated from such a development has since suppressed the aptitude of Albania to develop economically concurrent with its neighbouring nations. In essence, considering that Albania is not part of the EU, this country is barred from engaging itself with the EU members. Particularly in a market that has been established to consist of 500 million people (Bache, Ian, et al. 72). If for any reason Albania had joined the EU, it would have developed significantly both politically and economically. Owing the fact that EU provides a good platform for trade affairs. Because its members engage in free trade owing the absence of customs duties that technically alienate the 27 different accredited set of regulations.
Secondly, being alienated from EU has affected Albania socially. Considering that Albania has its cultural and social norms that are in itself unrefined compared to the culture of many other European countries that form part of the EU. Joining the European Union could have fostered cultural rebel hence civilization. In essence, joining the EU could have not only allowed a free travel of the Albanian citizens across the 28 countries that form part of the EU. But also enabled the citizens of Albania to work, live, and study in any of the 28 countries without being discriminated (Bache, Ian, et al. 21). Considering that no visa is required to travel in any of the EU countries as long as you are a member. Being part of the EU could have fostered healthy interactions with the civilized states in Europe hence developed Albania socially. Profound interactions between Albania and other European countries could have technically alienated conventional cultural and religious beliefs hence developing Albania not only socially be economically as well.
Thirdly, being alienated from the EU at the expense of keeping up with the requirements and privileged attached to Ottoman Empire affected Albania in the sense that they adopted deviant policies that are diffident and loutish. Considering that the policies of EU were formed on values of human dignity, democracy, equality, respect for human rights, and the rule of law (McCormick and Jonathan 34). Opting to join EU early enough could have not only developed the legal system of Albania but also developed the ways issues related human rights are perceived in this country. Owing the fact that they are not part of this movement, their legal system and perceptions on human rights are scantly established a fact that fosters their evolution congruent with those of other European nations.
Irrespective of the fact that Albania’s development has been held back due to their alienation from EU. It is of utmost significance to note that they still have room to correct their past imperfections and join the EU as a framework to develop their country. Prior to joining the EU, it is required of Albania to accomplish some regulations and requirements that will in essence define their desire and ambitions to be part of EU. Though it has been aggressively working to meet the standards of EU, Albania is still ill-equipped enough to be part of this union. It is essentially because EU requires Albania to show more effort in tackling issues of corruption and crime rates in the country; particularly those that relate to human trafficking and drugs. Though this country was offered the candidate status this year in June, it is anticipated that that this country will join EU 2020 at the earliest. The Albanian government should in effect show efforts of tackling crime and corruption that has since affected the country negatively. Considering that EU was founded with human rights being one of the pillars, Albania ought to embrace this prior to making aggressive memberships applications.
On the flip side or rather the counterargument, it is not necessary for Albania to Join EU to ascertain that the country realizes development. It should focus on developing itself economically and socially without necessarily engaging themselves with other European countries through the many established euro pen unions particularly EU (Bogdani and John 32). They can stand alone with other countries that were part of the Ottoman Empire and still develop.
Conclusion
Being alienated from EU has affected Albania in the sense that it cannot realize the privileges attached to being a member of the EU. In essence, it has been affected politically and economically owing the fact it is alienated from EU trade affairs among many other privileges that foster the development of the EU country members. Despite being help up and hesitant to join the EU predominantly because, they attached themselves with the Ottoman Empire that was in itself unproductive. There is a room for them to develop by complying with the requirement of joining the EU. To join the EU, it is required of Albania to show efforts of tackling crime and corruption that has since affected the country negatively. In this way, they will realize developments that will in essence boost the country economically and socially.
Works Cited
Bache, Ian, et al. Politics in the European Union 4e. Oxford University Press, 2014.
Bogdani, Mirela, and John Loughlin. Albania and the European Union: The Tumultuous # Journey Towards Integration and Accession. London [u.a.: Tauris, 2007. Print.
McCormick, John, and Jonathan Olsen. The European Union: politics and policies. Perseus
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