TIRANA, Sept 28 /ATA/ – Albania aims to wrap up technical negotiations for European Union membership by the end of 2027 and join the bloc within the decade, Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said on Monday.
Speaking at an interparliamentary conference on the EU enlargement agenda and Albania’s accession, Peleshi said European integration remained the country’s top priority.
He highlighted parliament’s role in parliamentary diplomacy and in strengthening relations with European institutions and the parliaments of EU member states.
“Enlargement remains the noblest mission of the European family. It aligns Europe’s political and economic borders with its natural, historical and cultural borders. Today, in a new geopolitical and strategic context, with acute challenges to security and peace, the European Union is more important than ever as a guarantee of stability,” Peleshi said.
“On this trajectory, Albania’s compass remains unchanged. We have only one plan, and that is the European Union. Our objective is absolutely clear: to conclude technical negotiations by the end of 2027 and achieve full membership within this decade,” he said.
Peleshi also pointed to strong public support for EU integration. He said more than 91% of Albanians supported EU membership, citing Eurobarometer data.
“For us, this is not simply a political achievement, but a legacy rooted in the DNA of our national renaissance. Our national revival thinkers always saw Albania as an integral part of European civilisation. Today, that legacy is reflected in the overwhelming popular support of Albanian citizens,” he said.
Peleshi said the public backing was both an inspiration and a responsibility for Albanian institutions to continue reforms and meet the obligations arising from the integration process.
He said the enlargement process should not remain confined to institutional negotiations but should involve greater participation by citizens and communities.
Peleshi also said Albania had continued to align its foreign and security policies with those of the EU, describing the country’s policy as “100% aligned” with the bloc.
“Albania’s foreign and security policy is 100% aligned with that of the European Union. Albania’s contributions to EU-led operations and missions are significant,” he said.
Albania continues to contribute to EU-led operations and missions and remains a partner of NATO and the United States as part of its Euro-Atlantic commitments, Peleshi said.
“Albania is a committed partner of NATO and the United States, with significant commitments in the Euro-Atlantic area. It serves as an anchor of stability and a force multiplier for security in the region and across the European continent,” he said.
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