TIRANA, May 5 /ATSH/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania must not allow its European Union accession process to be “held hostage by anyone,” stressing the need for political stability and continued reforms as the country advances membership negotiations.
Speaking at a Socialist Party assembly in Gjirokastër on Tuesday afternoon, Rama described the accession talks as a complex and demanding process involving strict reform deadlines and coordination across state institutions.
He said Albania aims to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027, with ratification by EU member states expected between 2028 and 2029.
Rama argued that a strong parliamentary majority was essential to prevent political obstruction of the integration agenda, warning that without sufficient support in parliament, the process could face delays and instability.
The Prime Minister also accused political opponents of spreading disinformation aimed at undermining the country’s EU path, calling on Socialist Party members to defend what he described as a historic national mission.
Highlighting Albania’s economic progress over the past decade, Rama said gross domestic product had risen from less than 10 billion euros to around 27 billion euros, while foreign direct investment reached 1.6 billion euros last year.
He also pointed to the growth of the tourism sector, noting that annual foreign visitor numbers had increased from around 2 million to 12 million, citing destinations such as Gjirokastër as examples of the country’s transformation.
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