EU Enlargement Commissioner in Tirana: Albania deserves the EU
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visited Albania for the first time, meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama. She expressed confidence that Albania could complete the technical process of EU accession negotiations by 2027 and earn its place as a full EU member.
Why is this important: Kos emphasized Albania’s progress on the path to EU membership, calling it a stable regional actor and a model for cooperation. She reassured that the upcoming May 11 elections would not disrupt the country’s negotiation process, as reforms must continue regardless of political leadership. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rama sees Albania’s rapid progress as proof that the country is on track for EU accession and has already secured €1 billion in EU funds for reforms.
Context: Kos praised Albania’s commitment to EU integration.
“Your country has made remarkable progress on its EU journey. Geopolitics tells us that everything is possible—situations can change rapidly—but Albania’s path to the EU remains stable and clear. I came here to reaffirm my full support for your ambitious yet realistic objectives. With the reforms you are undertaking, I am confident this goal is achievable.”
She also highlighted Albania’s role as a stabilizing force in the region, arguing that the EU should be eager to welcome it.
“You deserve EU membership. With Albania inside, the EU will not just be bigger—it will be stronger. You are an island of stability, maintaining excellent neighborly relations in a region where that is not always the case. You are a champion of regional cooperation, which is crucial. The fact that you are 100% aligned with the EU’s foreign and security policy is truly remarkable.”
She also announced a campaign to build public support for enlargement within EU member states.
“Soon, we will conduct a survey on enlargement—how it is perceived both in Albania and across the EU. Based on the findings, we will launch a campaign. My appeal to the media is simple: help us raise awareness about Albania in member states. The more they understand and appreciate Albania, the easier it will be for governments to make decisions in your favor.”
What did Rama say: Prime Minister Rama welcomed the European Commission’s recognition of Albania’s progress. He pointed out that within a short period, Albania has held two intergovernmental conferences, with a third one approaching soon to open new negotiation chapters. The goal, he said, remains clear.
“Our ambition is for Albanians to have an EU passport within this decade. We want them to walk into European airports and enter through the corridor marked by the constellation of stars, not the one labeled ‘Others.’ This is crucial because we have spent centuries in the ‘Others’ category.”
While Kos acknowledged the importance of the May 11 elections, she insisted they would not slow down Albania’s accession process.
“I do not expect the elections to delay EU integration because this is a long-term, transformative process. These reforms are not being undertaken for the EU—they are for Albania’s own development. It is up to Albanian citizens to decide who will govern in the future. But from my perspective, Europe is so deeply embedded in Albania’s trajectory that I see only one possible outcome: a European future.”
What else: Rama stressed that Albania is eager to receive the EU funding allocated under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The money will be disbursed as soon as the European and Albanian parliaments ratify the agreements.
Kos also praised Albania’s role in hosting high-level EU summits in recent years, stating that it has boosted the country’s reputation in Brussels. In a lighthearted moment, she compared Albania’s EU ambitions to the national football team’s quick goal against Italy in the European Championship, scored by Nedim Bajrami in just 23 seconds—though the team ultimately lost the match.
As a former Olympic champion, Kos even challenged Rama—an ex-basketball player—to climb Mount Korab together once Albania completes its EU negotiations, gifting him an official EU jersey with the number 11.
Rama declined the challenge but noted that Kos’ statement captured the essence of the EU’s approach—nothing is given for free, and every reward must be earned.
“Marta said it herself: we’ll climb the mountain, but only after we’ve done our homework. First, we complete our tasks and enter the EU—then we climb together. That’s how the EU works!
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