Rama shared details of the meeting in a post on social media, describing an exchange with Merz after the summit’s proceedings and before the two leaders departed for their respective destinations.

The summit brought together European Union and Western Balkan leaders to discuss the region’s EU integration process, gradual access to EU policies and markets, and implementation of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

Hosted by European Council President António Costa, the meeting also included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and focused on strengthening cooperation, regional stability and economic development.

The gathering underscored the European Union’s continued support for the Western Balkans’ membership aspirations and its commitment to the region’s European future.

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PM Rama praised the German Chancellor’s commitment to EU enlargement, calling it a vital shift from previous policies that once treated the topic as taboo. He emphasized that in today’s geopolitical context, a highly creative approach to the enlargement process is absolutely necessary.

He added that the European Parliament has issued reports that show the “cost of non-enlargement” outweighs accession costs.

“We look forward to the EU-Western Balkans summit and we will have the opportunity to discuss this issue,” he said.

He also touched on Albania’s integration process, describing our country as the most pro-European in Europe.

“As for Albania, we are the most pro-European country and nation in Europe. Not because I say so, but because every EU barometer shows this,” he said.

Rama added that Albania remains committed to the path of integration and that it will continue the reforms necessary for membership in the European Union.

“We are wholly committed to gaining entry to the EU and will not be deterred by obstacles. We will do whatever it takes and fight persistently to achieve this. However, we must also strategically address current vulnerabilities and weak points to ensure a successful outcome,” Rama said.

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In his remarks on Friday at the European Political Community Summit in Tirana, Albania, the German Chancellor underlined that Europe is facing a challenge that the continent hadn’t seen for decades now, the very strong and tough war in Ukraine.

According to him, “the war in Ukraine is not against just this country, because even if so it would have been terrible and critical enough, but it is something directed against the entire political order of the European continent.”

“Last Saturday, we travelled to Kiev to see President Zelensky and we did that not just on our behalf, but we hopefully did that on behalf of all of you to show our determination and commitment to this country and to the European political order,” Merz said.

The German Chancellor said that the efforts have yielded a small diplomatic success, underlining that the fact that “the Ukrainian and Russian officials were meeting today for the very first time in three and a half years is a very small, but first positive and strong signal.”

He called for more diplomatic efforts, but by also clearly demonstrating military support for Ukraine.

Merz also commented on the alliance with the United States of America, calling for utmost efforts ”to keep Americans on our side.”

“We can’t substitute or replace what Americans still do for us in Europe and for our peace and freedom,” he stated.

German Chancellor also voiced readiness to enhance defence spending.

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The Head of State expressed to Chancellor Merz his high evaluation for the continued attention of friendly Germany towards Albania and the Albanian people.

“For Albania and Albanians, Germany is a friendly country and a permanent supporter on our European journey,” wrote President Begaj in his official profile on the X platform.

The president also expressed confidence that there will be more support under the leadership of Chancellor Merz. /j.p/p.s./