Commissioner Kos highlighted that Albania’s achievements in the accession process are the result of over a decade of hard work. She commended the country’s unique determination and the remarkable enthusiasm of its citizens, stating no other candidate has done so much in this process.

“Great achievements take years of hard work. The accession process isn’t just about reaching the finish line, but about being fully prepared when we get there”, Kos said in a conversation with the Albanian chief diplomat.

“Therefore, when someone puts in doubt that Albania is truly among the best performing countries, my answer is simple: show me another country that has done so much, with such determination and with such support from its citizens. No other candidate country has done this. Therefore, please, continue on this path”, said Kos.

During the reception, Minister Hoxha stated that the Intergovernmental Conference was a truly historic moment for Albania and that with the approval of the IBAR, we now have confirmation that the work being done in Albania is serious, credible and effective.

Hoxha thanked Commissioner Kos and every colleague in the European Commission services who have contributed to this essential process for Albania. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

During a joint press conference with the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus Marilena Raouna and Prime Minister Edi Rama, Kos stated that Albania has taken a major step in the European integration process.

“Today, we celebrate a landmark achievement for Albania. By fulfilling the October 2024 interim rule-of-law requirements, Albania becomes the second candidate country—after Montenegro—to reach this crucial stage in the accession process”, she said.

According to her, this is an achievement to be appreciated and the result of a long work that is not achieved overnight.

“When we confirm these interim milestones for the rule of law, we confirm that the work done in recent years in this area has been successful”, said Kos.

She praised the adoption of laws to protect fundamental rights and vulnerable groups, as well as the steps taken to guarantee the right to a fair trial for all citizens.

The Commissioner also mentioned the vetting process in the justice system, through which hundreds of judges and prosecutors have been dismissed or vetted, as well as the creation of new institutions of judicial governance, which have reduced political influence in justice.

She also praised the establishment of SPAK, describing it as the flagship institution of the fight against corruption in Albania and one of the most trusted structures in the country.

“This progress reflects the strong support of the Albanian people for deep reforms in the justice system. The transformation power of the EU accession process should be felt above all by Albanian citizens”, concluded Kos. /gj.m/r.e/ p.s./

FM Hoxha said that during the discussions there was emphasized accelerating the advanced stages of accession negotiations, stressing the need to maintain momentum and ensure consistent progress.

According to Hoxha, Albania’s choice is crystal clear: Its path towards the EU is built on strong commitments, sustainable reforms and concrete results.

The foreign minister also said that during the meeting they also discussed on implementation of the Reform Agenda within the Growth Plan, which, in the case of Albania, complements the EU membership process and brings tangible benefits to citizens.

Hoxha underlined that, “Continuous harmonization with EU standards, strengthening the rule of law and an independent and professional judiciary, as well as sustainable progress in all negotiation chapters remain our daily priorities”.

The meeting highlighted the need for clear communication regarding enlargement benefits and responsibilities to boost public support and transparency. Commissioner Marta Kos praised Albania’s progress and stressed that continued reforms are essential, reiterating that enlargement remains a merit-based process. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

During a press conference, Berisha said that, “The statement of Commissioner Kos is a really racist and corruptive”.

He stressed that, regardless of whether the corruption is political or financial in nature, these matters fall under the jurisdiction of EU investigative bodies.

“But, backing a thief with the Commission’s authority while blaming society for the corruption is complicity, plain and simple”, said Berisha.

In an interview with Politico, Kos said the following:

“You can have the best legislation to fight corruption, but if corruption is accepted in the country, then we have another problem. These countries need to move towards changing the mentality of corruption, and this will take some time”.

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Speaking at a press conference, the head of DP’s parliamentary group, Gazment Bardhi told reporters that PM Rama had “failed to act as a European leader” by keeping Balluku in her post after a court decision temporarily suspending her as Deputy PM and Infrastructure and Energy Minister.

He alleged that Rama and Balluku were jointly involved in what he called the “190 million euro Llogara Tunnel affair,” adding that the Prime Minister would not remove her “because he himself is exposed” in the case.

Bardhi drew a comparison with former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, who resigned after becoming the subject of a corruption probe. “He stepped down immediately, without waiting for charges, to protect the dignity of the state,” Bardhi said, adding that Costa now serves as President of the European Council.

He accused Rama of suggesting the judiciary was interfering with the executive, arguing that the Prime Minister “acts as if the executive were exempt from the obligation to enforce the law.”

Bardhi also criticized EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who earlier in the day said Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections were free and fair.

“By taking this position, Ms. Kos became the spokesperson of a corrupt government,” he said, accusing her of ignoring findings cited by OSCE/ODIHR and EU election observers.

The DP official called on supporters to join a protest planned for Monday outside the prime minister’s office.

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In her remarks to the “Growth Plan – Our Path to the EU” summit, Kos said that, “Our objective is for all of you to move in sync”.

“We do not want any of you to be left behind because ultimately the entire Western Balkans belong to the EU as equal members with full rights, while acknowledging the fact that you will have achieved full compliance with EU legislation and values”, the Enlargement Commissioner said further on.

“There’s a particularly important deadline in June. By then, there expires the one-year waiting period for the further delayed reforms. Hence, almost 300 million Euros destined for your countries are at stake. Your citizens should benefit these funds with which the people can build tram lines, roads, schools, hospitals”, Kos underlined.

Further on, Kos focused on reducing the roaming tariffs.

“Paying extra for calls to other countries is something that we no longer do within the EU. Then, why should you do this. Therefore, we must work to accelerate the approximation with EU rules. Let’s unblock those projects that are required to improve infrastructure, digital innovation, consumer protection and tourism. This will bring benefits for businesses and your citizens”, said Kos. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama gave welcome to the participants in this summit at the entrance to the Palace, where Commissioner Kos, as well as the leaders of the region, the acting Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti and the prime ministers of Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia arrived one after the other.

This summit is expected to focus on the Growth Plan, economic integration and the transformation of the region towards the European Union Market.

At the start of the summit, PM Rama will make the opening remarks together with Commissioner Kos.

There will be two discussion panels in the summit: “New initiatives, with benefits for citizens and business” and “Fulfilling joint commitments – Results and acceleration”. There will be launched the Roadmap for the Western Balkans and further on there will be a discussion on the positioning of the region in the EU AI ecosystem, green lanes, cooperation in the field of tourism, on progress and future steps towards the regional common market, etc.

While at the end of the proceedings, Rama and Kos will give a joint press conference. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

“Gender equality and non-discrimination are an integral part of EU law. Aligning with it is part of the EU accession process. This is not a private demand of the Ambassador of EU in Albania. Any attacks on him are unacceptable”, emphasized Kos in her reaction in the social network X.

Today, in the Assembly, the leader of the Democratic Party of Albania Sali Berisha said that the European Union ambassador in Tirana Silvio Gonzato has requested a vote on gender equality draft law. Berisha added that Gonzato cannot impose his personal beliefs on Albanian society. /gj.m/a.f/p.s./

The virtual meeting came a day after the European Commission released its 2025 progress report on Albania.

“When it comes to the integration process, there is no doubt that Albania is on the right track,” Kos said.

Spiropali said the report’s “realistic and balanced findings” reinforced Albania’s vision for EU membership and acknowledged its strong political commitment and reform progress.

She thanked Commissioner Kos for her dedication to the enlargement agenda and for close cooperation with the Commission.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in social media today the speech delivered last week in the European Parliament by Commissioner Kos, which confirms that “Accession negotiations between Albania and the EU are progressing at an unprecedented pace.”

“Accession negotiations between Albania and the EU are progressing at an unprecedented pace, as we heard with several important milestones already met in the past few months and more to come”, appreciated Commissioner Kos.

Commissioner for Enlargement stated further on that,” Albania has seriously engaged in enlargement, while EU delivers expecting the merit-based approach.”

According to her, “The swift progress in accession negotiations is a clear signal that we stand with Albania, and we genuinely committed to marking out a clear pathway for EU accession.”

“Enlargement is a whole of social project and full by-in across Albanian society will be needed to reach Albania’s ambitions. But, the realistic goal of closing all negotiating chapters by the end of 2027”, stated Kos. /m.m/j.p/p.s./