Athens prepares new action plan for relations with Tirana ahead of Albanian FM visit

Greece is preparing a new diplomatic roadmap for its relations with Albania, as Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is expected to present a formal action plan to Albania’s new Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali during her first official visit to Athens on December 16.

Why is this important: The action plan is part of Athens’ push to reset bilateral relations following Edi Rama’s re-election and his renewed pledge to bring Albania into the EU by 2030. It also comes ahead of Greece’s EU Council Presidency in 2027, during which Albania hopes to complete its membership negotiations.

Key points of the Greek plan: According to Greek media reports, the new framework addresses several sensitive issues that have long shaped the bilateral agenda. These include:

• Albania’s EU accession process
• Connectivity and cooperation in infrastructure and energy
• The unresolved maritime border dispute in the Ionian Sea

The maritime delimitation case agreed by both countries in 2020 to be sent to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) remains unresolved. However, Greek sources note that regional energy dynamics — particularly new Adriatic and Mediterranean projects — are reviving political will on both sides to seek a solution.

Timing matters: Albania’s 2027 EU target coincides with Greece’s presidency of the European Council, potentially giving Athens a key role in shaping enlargement decisions. This convergence in political calendars is seen as an opportunity to intensify both technical talks and broader political coordination.

Greek push for regional stability: Minister Gerapetritis has reportedly informed EU counterparts that Greece intends to launch a new initiative during its presidency aimed at accelerating Western Balkan integration. Athens sees this effort as vital to containing instability, curbing rising nationalism, and safeguarding long-term security in Southeast Europe.