Athens responds to Albanian PM's comments on Northern Epirus

November 4, 2024 – The Greek government has reacted to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama's statement that the term "Northern Epirus" is outdated, made during a recent meeting with the Albanian diaspora in Thessaloniki.

In response to questions from Greek journalists, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated that while Northern Epirus may not be acknowledged by Rama, the Greek ethnic minority in Albania exists and is entitled to its rights. "It is self-evident that the Greek ethnic minority lives in Albania with its rights," Marinakis said.

He further emphasized that respect for this minority is a prerequisite for Albania's European Union accession. "Respecting the rights of the Greek ethnic minority in Albania is a clear condition for the membership process," Marinakis added, noting that this view is supported by all 27 EU member states.