MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Edi Rama’s announcement at the UN General Assembly about the creation of a sovereign state for Bektashi Muslims in Tirana – E-002062/2024

Question for written answer  E-002062/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fredis Beleris (PPE)

Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Sunday 22 September 2024, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced his country’s plans to establish a sovereign Muslim microstate in Tirana.

According to the information made available so far, this autonomous and independent state will be called Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order. It will have its own diplomatic documents, borders and a separate administrative structure. The new state within the Albanian state will only grant citizenship to Shia Muslims, members of the Sufi religious community.

In view of the above:

• 1.What is the Commission’s take on this potential new state and whether its creation is in breach of the agreements made in the context of Albania’s path to EU accession, and if it is, what additional criteria can be introduced?
• 2.Does the creation of such a state, where there will be no elections, meet the Copenhagen political criteria, which every country must satisfy, namely stability of institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities?
• 3.What diplomatic moves will the Commission make to ensure the peaceful coexistence of all religious communities in Albania?

Submitted: 14.10.2024