Macron deepens France–Albania ties with visit beyond EPC and investment summit

Besides attending the European Political Community Summit and the FII Europe investment forum, French President Emmanuel Macron remained in Tirana for an additional day to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama — marking his second visit to Albania in under two years.

Why is this important: Macron’s extended stay highlights a deepening strategic relationship between France and Albania. The visit produced new cooperation agreements, financial commitments, and a strong endorsement of Albania’s EU membership prospects.

Context: Macron began the meeting by congratulating Rama on securing a fourth term as prime minister.

“I want to begin by congratulating you on your re-election and the trust you’ve received — which is important for you and for all of us, because this mandate will allow us to continue with the ambitious agenda that your country has been pursuing for years. And I thank you for organizing the EPC — the first summit held in the Western Balkans.”

Macron, once a reformer of the EU enlargement process, spoke clearly in favor of Albania’s accession path.

“Albania has shown the way. It has made great strides recently and moved forward on many negotiation chapters. I trust in what you’re doing, and I’m very happy about the clear mandate you received.
Albania’s path toward the EU is very clear. In the ambitious reforms you’re carrying out, France will be by your side — to support and defend you — so your progress is recognized, and the 2027 agenda stays on track. This is not just a perspective, it’s becoming reality. Albania is showing the way in an exemplary manner. That’s why I wanted to be here — not only for the summit, but to reaffirm France’s belief in your European future.”

New investments: Rama emphasized France’s existing support and revealed new discussions around infrastructure.

“We feel France very close in our membership process. And the region has gained a loyal, stable partner — one that helps us face difficult moments and supports regional inclusion in a united Europe. We also spoke with the president about France’s possible involvement in the Durrës–Pristina railway. We’ll continue direct talks to explore how this could materialize.”

France and Albania signed three new bilateral agreements covering:

• Tourism development
• Energy cooperation
• Military support — including a defense ministry deal finalized the day prior for equipping Albania with French radar systems to monitor airspace

On defense budgets: Both leaders responded to U.S. calls for increased NATO defense spending, warning against overreliance on U.S. arms.

 “It’s not just about GDP percentages — and it shouldn’t translate into buying American-made equipment. That would only deepen our dependence on the U.S. defense industry. We Europeans must invest more in training, recruitment, and equipment — and also build a European industrial and technological base to strengthen our autonomy.”

Edi Rama: “I’m 100% in agreement with the president. We need to be realistic. It’s not just about increasing budgets — it’s about increasing our capacity. How will we, years from now, have a more efficient, complete European defense system? We don’t need scattered spending on military purchases.
And we must not turn Europe into a space where all we talk about is weapons and war. I believe Europe has two territories to defend: its physical territory and its spiritual one. If we lose the spiritual territory, the value of the physical one drops significantly.”

On Russia: Asked about the need for new sanctions on Russia, Macron referred to the diplomatic opening initiated by the U.S.

“President Trump gave his endorsement, and then President Putin said, ‘Let’s meet in Istanbul.’
President Zelensky agreed on Sunday. What do we have today? Nothing. In the face of President Putin’s cynicism, I’m confident that President Trump — who cares about America’s credibility — will respond.
The proposals for a ceasefire and dialogue are American proposals. They matter. They cannot be ignored. We’ll keep working — so Ukraine can resist and peace can be achieved.”

On Kosovo: Macron also responded to concerns raised by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, who said the EU is blocking Kosovo while Serbia draws closer to Russia.

“I hope in the coming weeks we can restart dialogue with both Pristina and Belgrade. Each country has faced political and social challenges. We need to make progress — because this is vital for the whole region.”

French funding: In the last two years alone, France has invested €300 million in Albania through the French Development Agency, with funding spread across infrastructure, education, energy, and regional integration.