Ström said in a televised interview that Albania is advancing faster than many of its regional counterparts, having already opened four of the six main negotiating clusters with the EU.

“Sweden sees Albania as one of the most prepared countries to join the European Union,” Ström said.

“We acknowledge the significant progress made and are fully committed to supporting Albania on this journey,” he stated.

The Swedish diplomat added that it was realistic for all six clusters to be opened within the year, aligning with the Albanian government’s stated objectives.

“Sweden is ready to assist at every stage – not only with accession but in helping implement reforms that will benefit the Albanian people,” he said.

Ström highlighted Sweden’s active development cooperation with Albania, noting joint efforts in agriculture, industrial planning, automation, and support for the startup ecosystem. He also referred to an EU-funded initiative to help Albanian businesses grow, establish international partnerships, and access mentoring and training.

“Sweden is deeply engaged in Albania,” Ström said. “We’re investing in projects that promote economic development and innovation, including helping Albanian companies connect with global markets.”

The ambassador described Albania and Montenegro as current frontrunners in the EU enlargement process and emphasized that the pace of Albania’s accession ultimately depends on domestic progress.

“Four of six clusters are open, and the government aims to open the remaining two this year. I believe that goal is achievable,” he said, adding that duration of the process would primarily depend on Albania.

Ström underscored the importance of strengthening the rule of law and improving the business climate to attract foreign investment and ensure long-term growth.

“What’s most important now is improving the business environment,” he said. “Companies want a level playing field, predictability, rule of law, and clear property rights. If I had one piece of advice for Albania: focus on stability, justice, and legal certainty.”

He also previewed the upcoming Swedish Cultural Week in Albania, which aims to offer a broader view of Swedish society and culture.

“We want to show that Sweden is more than just ABBA or Volvo. We’re proud to present a wider picture – featuring artists, musicians, and even aspects like cycling, which we consider part of our cultural identity. Of course, there’ll also be some pop music, but elevated to a new level,” Ström said.

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In a press statement after meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama, on a visit to Brussels for the fourth Intergovernmental Conference with the EU, Costa said that the “bloc’s enlargement to the Western Balkans is a clear priority for the EU and a crucial geostrategic investment in peace, prosperity and stability in our continent.”

“We are opening another Cluster of accession negotiations and it is our ambition to launch more chapters in the course of this year, because a concrete agenda is in place and we want to deliver. This is very important for the EU and Albania and it is a very important sign for the region, because the region’s EU membership is the best way to ensure prosperity, peace and stability in the Western Balkans,” Costa underlined.

The President of the European Council also announced that he plans to visit the six Western Balkan countries by mid-May.

“I will personally visit the six Western Balkan countries in mid-May to enhance cooperation and our shared effort to deliver good membership results,” Costa stated, adding that his Balkan trip will offer a good opportunity to further discuss at the European Political Community summit in Tirana, due on May 16.

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