“I would like to thank the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, who has been an important spokesperson for this cooperation, bringing both good and challenging news. This has been a very important role, and I express this gratitude as this is the final intergovernmental conference in which he represents the EU,” said Edi Rama.

Rama also expressed his gratitude to the EU Member States, which he said have undertaken “extraordinary work” together with the European Commission in ensuring that all processes are properly aligned and in supporting Albania’s progress through constructive challenge.

“This is the most significant challenge we have faced. We are fully aware of its scale and magnitude, and we are prepared to address it. I say this without any intention of embellishment: having the European Union on your side is a guarantee of success, and we will succeed. We will become members of this family within this decade. I know it, I feel it, and I will work towards it together with our team. I am also confident that Marta will not lose sight of this objective before the end of her term, which coincides with the last period in which Albania will remain outside this Union,” he stated.

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He emphasised that Albania is currently experiencing a positive moment in history, dismissing any claims that Albania’s EU accession negotiations are being dragged on.

“Reports of a slowdown often come from media coverage, which unfortunately is frequently questionable in what it reports or writes. The world has become so fast-paced, the flow of information so relentless, and the scramble to capture attention such a constant frenzy that there is neither the time nor the interest to double check what is being said or written; instead, information is simply pushed out to attract attention. Media outlets are also competing with one another, and these factors significantly undermine the quality of information,” Rama stated.
For the first time ever luck is on the side of the Albanian people and Albania. To illustrate my point, I will provide an example, demonstrating why we are not currently experiencing any such delay,’ Rama said.
Rama explained the decision-making mechanism within the EU, highlighting the role of the European Commission and the European Council in this process.

He outlined the reporting process for non-EU member states, describing it as a two-tier system. ‘The first tier is the European Commission, which derives from the European elections: the European Parliament is elected, and, based on agreements among political groups, the Commission President is appointed, with each member state assigning its own Commissioner. In effect, this constitutes the EU’s government. Unlike conventional governments, it has no territorial base. It manages the EU budget and programmes, which are additional to national budgets, and oversees relations with aspiring, candidate, and negotiating countries. The European Commission employs 35,000 staff across all policy areas, with a dedicated team focused on countries seeking EU membership. Consequently, the EU maintains a representation here to monitor Albania’s progress in justice, environment, economy, media, and education, producing reports accordingly,’ Rama explained.

Rama explained that as a candidate country, Albania is assigned tasks by the European Commission, which operates objectively and without political bias. He emphasised that final decisions rest with the European Council, requiring full consensus among all 27 member states.
The European Council constitutes the second tier, composed of the leaders of the 27 member states. They convene to review the Commission’s report. While the Commission may recommend opening negotiations with Albania, all 27 members must agree; a single ‘no’ is sufficient to block progress. The EU operates on consensus. Albania has been proposed three times to begin negotiations, yet all three attempts were blocked. The Commission deemed that we had delivered on all necessary requirements, but a single member state opposed our accession,’ Rama explained.
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At the wrap-up electoral meeting in Berat, Rama referred to the periodic assessments from the European Commission regarding the fulfillment of obligations on the path toward EU membership.

“The united Europe is like a house of prosperity—a family of nations that will never welcome you in without first carrying out thorough screenings and securing full assurances that, once inside, you will contribute as a worthy member, not become a burden,” said Rama.

The fact that we are now at the doorstep, according to Prime Minister Rama, shows that they have opened the door and are negotiating with us, granting us a three-year timeframe—an opportunity that has never before been given to any of the former communist countries.

“By 2027, they are prepared to conclude the negotiations and welcome us as a member of the European Union. This does not imply a blind acceptance, but rather reflects what is clearly outlined in all European Commission reports—that Albania has met its requirements in this process. Now, we begin the next phase and continue moving forward,” said Rama.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Albania’s data guarantees its commitment, progress, and the respect it has earned.
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“It’s quite simple, because joining the EU is now a very tangible process, and for the first time since we emerged from the shadows of communism, there is a full alignment between our aspiration to join the EU and their willingness to accept us. Since 1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the integration process has seen times when the door was open and times when it closed due to the EU’s internal policies, of course,” said Rama.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Albania is at a point when the EU door has been opened for both our country and Montenegro. He stated that this means there is a work plan on the table with a deadline to finalize the negotiations by the end of 2027.

“Negotiations include discussions on all aspects of state organization, spanning every sector. We need to align our entire legislative and regulatory framework with that of the EU, which amounts to a quarter of a million pages. This work has continued apace for years, but there is still much to translate, adapt, and finalize for approval. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure a successful process and performance,” said Rama.

According to the Prime Minister, the EU does not play jokes or make comments on social media.

“The EU does not participate in elections in Albania, nor does it have any Albanian party affiliation. The EU has a whole mechanism for monitoring the progress of a country aspiring to become a member, and that mechanism is not influenced by political affiliation or sympathies, as I said earlier. It is an objective, unbiased mechanism that evaluates work and results. Based on the work and results, this mechanism tells a completely different narrative from what you, Bledi, and many others like you, who come from different premises, claim. This means that, in reality, Albania is making significant strides in transforming its entire state structure and is ready to become an EU member. This is a fact that cannot be altered, not even by the strongest force, let alone the empty words that are mere poverty,” affirmed Rama.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the May 11th vote, urging that there should be no shakeup, as the negotiation process allows no time to waste—no days, months, or years. As Rama stated, “If we lose even one day, things will be postponed, and if that happens, the door may close.”
Rama emphasized that while Montenegro started its EU negotiations in 2012 and still hasn’t integrated, Albania, despite opening negotiations later, has made significant progress. He highlighted that, even without official negotiations due to political reasons, Albania prepared thoroughly and was ready when negotiations began, staying ahead of others. He stressed that the door to the EU is now open, and this is not about political sides, but about the work and results achieved.

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“Therefore, this will help us to be, to be seen and to be considered as more mature countries to join the EU when the time comes,” Rama told the joint press conference with the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte.
Rama said that the “Open Balkan” has encouraged Serbia to become part and align with the sanctions against Russia. But, Rama said, it takes time.

“Regarding the Open Balkan, I have spoken with Mark and I have also spoken with other leaders, something I have said publicly. The Balkans is the most vulnerable part of the chain that can be affected and, God forbid, could be broken as a result of the war in Ukraine and on the eastern side. Why? Because Russia holds sway on it. There are some traditional ties, so I believe that we should take Serbia with us and not let it go the other way. So the Open Balkan has helped and so has the attitude to say things, to encourage Serbia to become a part and align with the sanctions, but on the other hand it takes time and this is the right attitude. I also thank Mark for highlighting a point and I’ll conclude here. The Open Balkan is also about creating within the region a functioning space of the EU with the four functional freedoms of movement of people, capital, goods and services, which is a space of peace. Therefore, this will help us to be, to be seen and to be considered as more mature countries to join the EU when the time comes,” Rama said.
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