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Albania is a formal membership candidate for the EU, but the process has been slowed by the crumbling bloc and member states who do not want to allow new countries into the 28 member union. Now Prime Minister Edi Rama, a self-avowed friend of Tony Blair, has claimed the Balkans could “go crazy” if their role in Europe is not appreciated. He warned the bloc rolling back its membership offer could wreak havoc on the continent, saying “the alternative would be a nightmare for the people and countries of Europe.

GETTY He warned the bloc rolling back its membership offer could wreak havoc on the continent

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Mr Rama said: “There is a lack of understanding, or a lack of vision in not realising that this region needs Europe, but Europe needs this region too, for a secure and safe Europe,” “How can the union be secure and safe if the Balkans will go crazy? “How can the European Union allow at its own heart a grey zone where other actors can have a larger influence than the EU itself? “This is nonsense in terms of security, in terms of safety.”

GETTY It comes as the county considers creating a union with Kosovo

It comes as the county considers creating a union with Kosovo, which has a majority Albanian ethnic population, despite it being explicitly disallowed by the Kosovan constitution. Speaking to Politico, the Albanian leader claimed the move could be a “possible alternative” to EU membership. Mr Rama added: “The only way to keep the Balkans in this peaceful and cooperative mode is to keep the path to the EU open, to keep the perspective clear, to keep emotions about the EU positive.

GETTY Opposition from member states has slowed Albania's EU hopes

GETTY Albania is a formal membership candidate for the EU