TIRANA, Dec 17 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ Prime Minister Edi Rama stated on Tuesday in Brussels that Albania aims to conclude its negotiations with the European Union by 2027 and to become a member of the EU within this decade.
In a joint press conference in Brussels alongside Péter Szijjártó, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose country holds the rotating Presidency of the EU Council, and Marta Kos, Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Rama stated, “Albania will ensure that we have completed our tasks.”
“We have a clearly-defined ambition. We are committed to ensuring that we complete our homework and conclude our negotiations by 2027, with the goal of finalizing our EU membership within this decade. While this is an ambitious goal, we have shared it not only with the Hungarian presidency but, above all, with the European Commission, which has supported us through all presidencies. Together, we have worked towards this. The merit-based principle is crucial for us, as it will guide us in performing our tasks with the highest level of proficiency,” said Rama.
Rama noted that the momentum of the negotiation process appears to be unstoppable.
“Commissioner Kos has started off on the right foot, as she has been in office for less than a month, yet she has already taken two major steps forward for the Western Balkans. We are nearly two months into the negotiations, with a momentum that seems unstoppable, and I can say that everything happening now is primarily due to the Hungarian presidency and the incredible energy of Hungary’s Foreign Minister himself, who has made it clear that this ambition for supporting EU enlargement is a priority and has brought the Western Balkans closer to the EU,” said Rama.
The Prime Minister also stressed that none of this could have been achieved without the complete support of the member states.
“Today, we have a more comprehensive and clearer view of the work done, and we regard this as a genuine source of motivation, knowing that much work still lies ahead. I extend special thanks to the European Commission team, which demonstrates and teaches us how to navigate and succeed while keeping a big smile in the face of the EU’s neurotic approach,” said Rama.
The Prime Minister stressed that this is a challenging process, adding, “For us, it is clear and we are fully aware that Europe is united not just by geography, but by shared values, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and collective security.”
“There is no doubt in our mind that a Europe with the Western Balkans will be stronger, more united, and safer. It is important that we are in the heart of Europe. It is a privilege, as countries with histories like ours, located on other continents, striving to become democracies with open market economies, are unable to achieve that. They face far greater challenges, while we have the opportunity. This chapter of learning and development, where a state functions like an EU member—building institutions, reforming sectors, and creating the conditions for check and balances—is a gift for us, living in the center of Europe and envisioning our future within the EU. That is why we are determined to do our best,” said Rama.
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