Albanian PM reaffirms Albania’s commitment to EU integration by 2030
Photo: Edi Rama
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reiterated his goal for Albania to join the European Union by 2030, despite delays in negotiations. Speaking on his podcast Flasim, Rama emphasized that Albania continues implementing reforms even when the EU temporarily closes its doors.
Why is it important: Albania’s EU membership is crucial for cementing democratic governance and legal order. Rama stressed that the integration process is the only viable path to guarantee individual freedoms, equality before the law, and functional democracy for future generations.
Tackling corruption and ending impunity: Rama pointed to significant progress in the fight against corruption, saying that his government dismantled political interference in the judiciary by creating independent anti-corruption bodies such as the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime and the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime. He highlighted the fact that for the first time since Albania’s independence in 1912, officials connected to the ruling government—or former administrations—are being investigated, prosecuted, or convicted.
“We have removed political power from the judiciary,” Rama said. “To fight corruption, we opened our shirts and exposed ourselves, just like everyone else. We are in power, but we are not immune.”
Rama criticized claims that Albania has made no progress, arguing that some officials are still adjusting to the idea that no one is above the law. He stressed that independent institutions now have the authority to hold even powerful political figures accountable, a major shift from the past. “How can anyone say there is no progress, when today we have politicians being investigated by courts free from political control?” he added.
No turning back: Rama emphasized that Albania’s judiciary reforms are not just about meeting EU conditions but about building a better state. “This process is about establishing European values here in Albania,” he said. The minister for public administration and anti-corruption, who also appeared on the podcast, called the integration process “irreversible” and underlined that the European Commission rigorously monitors Albania’s progress.
Rama closed with a light-hearted metaphor: “We are negotiating the terms of marriage with the EU. But make no mistake—this marriage will happen.”
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