Tirana hosts FII Europe summit with focus on investment and leadership

Tirana hosted the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Europe Summit for the first time, bringing together political leaders, global investors, tech founders, and economists to discuss Europe’s economic resilience, technological innovation, and strategic sovereignty.

The two-day event was held in sync with the European Political Community (EPC) Summit to ensure joint participation from leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Other notable participants, included Yasir Al-Rumayyan (Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund), Mohamed Alabbar (Founder of Emaar), Matteo Renzi, (former Prime Minister of Italy),  Linda Rama, (Economist and Strategic Advisor), Sarah Al Amiri, (UAE Minister for Future Technology) and others.

Why is this important: The summit positions Albania not only as a regional hub for diplomacy, but also as a growing investment destination. Key themes included defense sovereignty, innovation, and the future of European leadership — with major investors publicly endorsing Albania’s potential.

Context: Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the summit by reflecting on Albania’s transformation and rising responsibilities.

“Believe me, no one would have imagined what’s happening today. We are now witnessing the results of the changes we’re implementing — and while that brings satisfaction, it also terrifies us, because the responsibility is much greater and the demand for high-level results is growing by the day. I was very happy when I thought this forum would come here, for another reason too. This is the benchmark of trying to think differently. I am fully committed to everything that will come out of this, and to anyone who feels the call to return to Albania — to invest, to stay,” Rama said in his speech.

President Emmanuel Macron used his speech to endorse Albania’s leadership and encourage investment.

“I’m truly jealous that for the first time in Europe, this forum is being held here in Albania. I’m very happy you’re here — beyond the jokes I make with Prime Minister Edi Rama — because here in Albania, you clearly have the entry point to the Western Balkans, and more broadly, a key point in the Mediterranean and in Europe. So I encourage you to invest in Albania, because you have strong leadership — and I’m not saying that just because he’s my friend, but because he’s delivered results.
In the next two years, with a clear mandate, Albania will become part of the EU. We Europeans will now deliver, and with the strong alignment between France and Germany, we’ll do everything to realize the agenda we discussed,” he concluded.

On the EPC: Rama used the occasion to promote the European Political Community format, which was once met with skepticism.

“When I supported the idea of the EPC, many thought it was the typical French trick — offering a different cheese without giving you the one you want. They thought I was acting like a French-recruited asset working on behalf of the President to sabotage enlargement. But this was the sixth summit, and everything changed. I believe the aggression against Ukraine made everyone realize how useful this format is — because it brings together the whole of democratic Europe, from Turkey and Switzerland to Azerbaijan and Armenia. And by the way, we were very pleased to see that Azerbaijan and Armenia are now just one very small step away from finalizing a historic peace agreement.”

On Trump: The two leaders offered differing takes on Donald Trump’s role in global affairs and Europe’s future.

Edi Rama: “I continue to believe with all my strength that when Donald Trump says, ‘God saved me because He has a plan for America,’ he’s only telling half the truth. I believe the other half is that God saved him because He has a plan for Europe, too. When I heard the U.S. President talk about a golden age approaching, my feeling was — while of course wishing the U.S. the best — that a golden age could also be opening for Europe. Everything depends on how fast we think outside the box, how quickly we act, and how clearly we understand that in this world — where everyone else is doing the unthinkable — Europe has kept thinking the same way as before.”

Macron responded by framing Europe’s future around independence and strategic clarity.

Emmanuel Macron: “We are at the moment of truth — referring to what Edi said about Trump, this is not just good news for the U.S., but for Europe too. Europe can become independent. We need to choose our partnerships and examine our dependencies. The war in Ukraine exposed the costs.
The question is: will we become a green global power capable of defending ourselves? The answer must be yes — and this is a new phase in Europe’s journey. We must avoid internal division and guide markets to turn Europe into a geopolitical power. That is our agenda.”

Kushner’s support: Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump and CEO of Affinity Partners, addressed the summit remotely.

Jared Kushner: “Edi is a very skilled politician, a smart leader. He showed us what an artist can do with a country. They’re building an airport in Vlorë, and that’s a huge opportunity for the region. I came with the desire to build something unique for the world.”

Kushner elaborated on his plans for a luxury resort on Sazan Island: “I was very drawn to the region and the regional demographic trends. We spent a year studying the market and demographics. The environment turned out to be perfect. Many people have asked me why we’re investing in Albania. A lot of government actions are changing the climate of life — translating into higher wages and more prosperity. It’s a perfect location — just a few kilometers from Italy, ten minutes from the new airport.
We’re going to build something spectacular and will present it soon. Who will visit the resort? First of all, me and my wife. We’re going to build a great community and attract the world’s most prestigious brands.”

Agenda highlights: The summit included discussions on defense sovereignty, artificial intelligence, biotech, industrial independence, and tourism. Key sessions included:

“What is the Future of European Defense Sovereignty?”

“Is Europe Ready to Ignite the Next Silicon Valley?”

“Can Emerging Destinations Redraw the Tourism Map?”

“How Far Can Investment Go in Uniting Albania and Emerging Markets?”

“The Global Race for AI Sovereignty”

“From Prevention to Precision: Is Biotech the Answer?”