Rama at Ukraine Recovery summit: “Peace must be Europe’s only future”
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama used his address at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome to call on European leaders to place peace—not just war and reconstruction—at the center of their political vision. Speaking before leaders from over 90 countries, Rama urged the European community to build a bold and compelling plan for peace alongside its support for Ukraine’s recovery.
Why is this important: Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Albania has been among the most vocal and active supporters of Kyiv, including during its term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2022. But alongside his firm stance against aggression, Rama has consistently warned that Europe must not lose sight of peace. Instead of focusing solely on military investments, he has repeatedly advocated for directing resources into education, knowledge, and future-building.
Context: The Ukraine Recovery Conference brought together world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, EU officials, heads of international organizations, and private sector actors. The aim: to coordinate efforts and funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction. In this high-level setting, Rama delivered a message that set him apart—not just as an ally of Ukraine, but as a voice for peace.
“We must not let the word ‘peace’ further divide our democratic societies,” Rama said. “Nor allow anyone beyond our borders to lecture the European community about what peace or war should mean. Europe is not a war-making community—and Ukraine is not the author of this brutal war at its doorstep.”
While reaffirming support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense, Rama warned that victory would not come through arms alone.
“Talking about peace won’t stop the war or turn Vladimir Putin into a pacifist,” he said. “But we will not be strong enough to win this war and save Ukraine without our own bold, attractive, and powerful peace plan. Peace is the only future Europe can credibly talk about.”
Rama concluded with a quote from the late Pope Francis, reminding the audience that “it is not the past we feel present, but the future.”
Albania’s role: Albania has positioned itself as a committed ally of Ukraine, most recently by organizing the Ukraine–Western Balkans Summit in 2024—a show of regional solidarity with Zelensky and his government.
Go deeper
Captain who died rescuing tourists in Lake Shkodra declared Martyr of the Nation
Published on July 10, 2025
Why is this important: Anamali’s death has deeply moved the Albanian public and is being hailed as an act of rare heroism. His designation as a national martyr recognizes the ultimate sacrifice in service of others—an emblem of duty, courage, and solidarity. The captain lost his life in an effort to prevent a tragedy and instead became its victim, leaving behind two children and a grieving family.
Construction worker puts Lapaj’s parliamentary bid at risk amid list confusion
Published on July 10, 2025
Why is this important: In a cynical effort to portray its leaders as different from those of the traditional parties, NShB placed them in the open candidate list. However, as this case is revealing NShB had filled its closed candidate list in Tirana with twelve so-called “placeholder” names expected to forgo their mandates, clearing the way for the party leader Lapaj to take the seat as the leader and most-voted figure. According to the coalition’s plan, these names—including Kordhoni—signed preemptive resignations after the May 11 elections. However, the process now faces legal and logistical uncertainty as at least one of those candidates appears to be reconsidering his decision, underscoring the fragility of such political maneuvers and the lack of legal safeguards around candidate withdrawals.
Berisha threatens protests in September as Democratic Party rejects May 11 election results
Published on July 10, 2025
Why is this important: According to the Democratic Party’s own statute, any party leader who loses elections must step down. But Berisha—who spent years reclaiming control of the party from former leader Lulzim Basha—has no intention of doing so. Rejecting the legitimacy of the elections and launching protests now appear to be his only strategy for justifying his continued leadership in the eyes of party members.