TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today welcomed the 2025 European Commission progress report on EU candidate countries, describing it as very positive and highlighting that it reflects Albania’s substantial efforts even before the start of accession negotiations.
Speaking online at the “Euronews EU Enlargement Summit,” a dialogue platform between the EU and Western Balkan countries, Rama highlighted that Albania has opened 5 of 6 negotiation clusters in just 11 months, “an unprecedented pace. A few years ago, we couldn’t even have imagined this, but life is a beautiful journey.”
Asked about the key factor behind Albania’s rapid progress, Rama emphasized that “beyond the usual hard work, speed comes down to two main factors. On one hand, during what I call the ‘years of humiliation’—when the European Commission recommended to the Council to open accession talks with Albania, but we were repeatedly blocked by certain countries—we stubbornly prepared for the moment when talks would finally open. We trained in the strongest possible way with the entire team, telling ourselves: our moment to show who we truly are will come, and for that moment, we must be ready.”
Rama added that by the time the opportunity came, Albania was likely much better prepared than other countries for the opening of negotiations.
He also pointed out that the second key factor was the change in Brussels’ approach following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Rama remarked that Brussels only shifted its stance after a military aggression on European soil, highlighting that while Albania had consistently received fair, if sometimes cautious, justice from the European Commission, the Council had long maintained: “One day we will be together, we value you, we want to unite, but we are not yet ready to discuss the timing.”
Rama emphasized that “the new momentum is still building, and the fresh approach is still in play. I sincerely hope it does not lose steam, and that eventually we will all sit together at the same table.”
On whether Brussels’ shift is being recognized by other regional countries, he said, “That’s a question for Brussels. As for me, 2030 is not a dream date—it’s a timeline based on a simple, clear calculation.”
Prime Minister Rama stated that, in full agreement with the European Commission, Albania has set an ambitious but achievable timeline to complete EU accession negotiations by 2027, with the potential to finish even earlier.”
Prime Minister Rama stated that “the average timeframe we have estimated for ratification by the 27 parliaments is around two years, which is why we anticipate Albania joining the EU table by 2030. Of course, we are by no means opposed to arriving there even sooner.”
“When it comes to the region as a whole, I fully agree and echo the words of David McAllister: this is a merit-based process. Each country has its own path and must fulfill its obligations and do its homework. The region is diverse, with different countries, different histories, and unique circumstances,” Rama emphasized.
The Prime Minister stated, “When it comes to us, I can say it loudly that we are the most Euro-optimistic nation in Europe—or, as Donald Trump might say, on earth.”
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