As part of this Forum, Prime Minister Edi Rama engaged in a conversation with producer Richard Attias, one of the event’s organizers.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Rama emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, highlighting the need for spaces where decision-makers and professionals on the ground can interact and exchange ideas. He also underscored Albania’s potential as a European hub due to its geographical and cultural attributes, likening it to a “new Italy” in terms of opportunities and hospitality.

The Prime Minister identified energy, innovation, and tourism as key sectors for investment, highlighting ongoing projects in renewable energy and technology parks. These areas represent significant opportunities for growth, attracting both domestic and international investors to Albania’s evolving economic landscape.

The Prime Minister also addressed the challenges faced by the European Union in its decision-making process, emphasizing the need for unity to effectively respond to the rise of global powers. His remarks highlighted the importance of cooperation and strategic alignment to strengthen the EU’s position on the international stage.

Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. He highlighted the need for platforms where decision-makers and industry leaders can engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and foster partnerships. Rama pointed to key areas such as renewable energy, technology parks, and tourism as crucial sectors where joint efforts can drive sustainable economic growth. Additionally, he stressed the significance of unity within the European Union to effectively navigate global challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Richard Attias: Mr. Prime Minister, you inaugurated the very first edition of the FII Priority meeting for Europe in Tirana, which is an investment forum, immediately following the organization of the EPC, the European Political Community conference. What recommendations do you have for the public and private sectors to work together in the current era?

Prime Minister Edi Rama: First of all, what I want to say is that what happened in Tirana—the Summit and the Forum—was unimaginable not too long ago, and I want to sincerely thank you and your Institute for this extraordinary opportunity. I was very surprised when I heard from Mr. Ramayan that this is your first time in Europe.

I believe this is precisely the right approach to the essential issue of bringing together the public and private sectors. These types of gatherings allow people who operate directly in the field, where everything happens, to interact, ask questions, get answers, and even more than that, establish connections with one another.

By the way, we had the honor of hosting the French President here, and as he was leaving, he exchanged contacts with three individuals. One of them was someone working in healthcare through artificial intelligence, based in London. President Macron told him, “Why in London? You should come to Paris. Give me your contact details. I’ll call you.” It’s extraordinary—truly fascinating.

Richard Attias: “I discovered your country—speaking with complete humility—only a few months ago with my wife, and we fell in love with this place, with its people. Every time people ask us, ‘What do you think about Albania?’—I don’t know if you’ll like my comparison—but I think you are the new Switzerland of Europe. You are right in the center of Europe, and from a geographical perspective, you have even more reason to be a central hub for Europe.

Secondly, culture. The diversity of cultures, the diversity of religious beliefs, a peaceful country, a country of tolerance. Why have you been so quiet until now? The whole world is now discovering Albania, discovering Tirana. Ninety percent of our delegates are positively surprised by the choice we made, and I believe this is just the beginning. How do you expect Albania’s future to unfold?”

PM Rama: “First of all, I was a bit startled when you said ‘the new Switzerland’ because, on one hand, I think we could never be as perfect as a Swiss watch, and on the other hand, if we ever became that way, then Albania would be terribly boring. I would prefer a ‘new Italy,’ where you find opportunities, where you experience the pleasure of hospitality and food, but where you never lose your smile.

We have been blessed by God but cursed by history—a curse, to be honest, in which we have also played a role for many years and centuries. This country, with a very small territory—only 28,000 square kilometers—has two seas, mountains, nine rivers, lakes, and a different landscape every kilometer. It is truly a place to visit, a place to stay, a place to invest. However, this country has suffered immensely from stigma, and it has been extremely difficult to bring people to Albania because the stigma was so strong.

Then, once they arrived, every time they visited, they would say, ‘Oh, this is not what we expected.’ Now, we have moved beyond that, and last year we closed with 12 million tourists, which is an extraordinary figure for a country with only 2.4 million people.

Now, we are looking to embrace what you are kindly bringing to the country—excellence, the highest quality—because we need to balance between quantity and quality. Otherwise, along the way, we may lose not only the chance to be Switzerland (which I don’t think we have) but also the chance to be a new Italy.”

Richard Attias:”Apart from tourism, which is absolutely one of the primary sectors for investment, you have so many projects underway, with major investors coming from the United States, the United Arab Emirates. Which other sectors would you recommend potential investors to focus on?”

PM Rama: “We have a country that is very well-positioned geographically and politically to do much more in the energy sector, and we are doing just that. At the moment, we are engaged in a major project together with Italy and the United Arab Emirates for the underwater cable that connects Albania with Italy—essentially linking both sides of Europe through the Adriatic—and maximizing the potential of our greatest treasure here: completely green energy. We have 100 percent renewable energy.

The challenge is that we have a significant amount of hydropower, and now we are developing solar energy. French companies have arrived, along with other companies, to build solar energy infrastructure, making energy one of our main priorities.

Another key area is Albania’s highly qualified young professionals, who represent an excellent resource for innovation. Currently, we have established our first technology park with strong incentives, attracting many companies.

Richard Attias: A few months ago, at the Munich Security Conference, you stated that the EU is more “E” than “U,” meaning it is more European than Union. How do you think this issue can be resolved, given that many people agree with you? In other words, how can we make the EU truly united?

Prime Minister Edi Rama: Listen, one of the challenges I see in the EU is the difficulty in reaching decisions, as it often feels like there are too many doctors for a single patient—arguing over the diagnosis and debating the right treatment. In some ways, the EU struggles with this democratic process, but at the same time, it must absolutely preserve democracy.

The essence of the issue is that the EU must recognize that the only way to stand against emerging global powers and the new world order is to dispel deeply ingrained prejudices in ways previously deemed unthinkable. When we organized the EPC, I told everyone that we decorated the space with children’s drawings, because I see great similarities between children’s dreams and the dreams of Europe’s founding fathers—neither are held captive by the myths of the past.

Europe must transcend its own history, particularly its recent past, and maintain its conviction and confidence as a continent of peace. Yes, rearmament is necessary, and preparing for self-defense is crucial, but we must not forget that in Europe, it is not only physical territory worth protecting—it is the very spirit of Europe, which is practically the spirit of the world. If we lose that spirit, even the strongest military will be meaningless—what, then, would we be defending?

Richard Attias: Mr. Prime Minister, a few days ago, you were re-elected for a fourth consecutive term, which is historic for Albania. What will be your three main priorities for this mandate?

Prime Minister Edi Rama: First, I have to share that I’ve found myself in a bit of trouble with my socialist colleagues because when someone asked me, “How is it possible that you’re a socialist and have won four terms?”

Richard Attias: It happens because you are a humanist.

Prime Minister Edi Rama reflected on his re-election, stating, “What would you tell others?” I said, ‘Listen, I don’t know what to tell you. Maybe I win because I’m not a good socialist.’

Regarding Albania’s priorities, he emphasized that the top three priorities are the EU, the EU, the EU. He described the current moment as a unique opportunity for European integration, though noting that it took Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Ukraine to awaken Europe to action. Rama expressed hope that Donald Trump’s election could further push Europe toward necessary decisions, concluding that if Albania succeeds in its EU path, his four terms will have been worthwhile.
Richard Attias: What role are women playing in Albania’s new model?

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the central role of women in Albania’s political landscape, explaining that the first half of his campaign was dedicated to engaging with women and girls. He noted that 56% of female voters in Albania support his party, emphasizing their electoral influence.

Rama reflected on historical gender dynamics, mentioning Albania’s traditional Kanun laws, which marginalized women, and the communist era, which forced women into the workforce but suppressed femininity. He described the post-communist reaction as an emphasis on beauty contests, which did not truly empower women.

Under his leadership in the Socialist Party, Rama introduced quotas and encouraged greater female participation in politics, ultimately transforming the role of women in governance. He underscored the importance of recognizing women as a driving force in Albania’s future.
/sm/