TIRANA, Albania (AP) – On Tuesday, Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief, emphasized Albania's "ambitious" agenda to complete negotiations for full EU membership within the next two years. During her visit to the Albanian capital, Tirana, Kallas met with national leaders, assuring them that Albania's future lies within the European Union.
At a joint news conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Kallas stated, "Albania has an ambitious agenda to close EU negotiations in the next two years. It's vital to sustain the high pace of reforms. And I also understand that the reforms are always quite difficult." Kallas reaffirmed that "Albania's future is in the European Union."
In 2020, the EU decided to initiate full membership negotiations with Albania, with discussions commencing last October. The ongoing talks focus on the alignment of Albania with EU standards regarding the rule of law, the efficiency of democratic institutions, and the fight against corruption.
The Western Balkans region, which includes Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, is currently at various stages of the EU membership application process. While progress has been slow and at times frustrating for these nations, the escalation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 invigorated Europe's leaders to accelerate the integration of these countries into the EU.
During her remarks, Kallas acknowledged Albania's commitment by stating, "Your decision to fully implement EU sanctions against Russia alongside your political, military, and humanitarian support to Ukraine demonstrates your commitment to our shared values."
Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his goal to finalize Albania's EU negotiations by 2027, with the aim of Albania becoming a member of the bloc by 2030. "We will not rest until we step into the door of the European Union and sit around the same table that the European Union does," Rama asserted.
Albania is also included in the EU's growth plan, which is expected to provide over €920 million (approximately $1 billion) in funding over the next decade. In a significant development on Tuesday, Albania signed an agreement with the European Investment Bank for €90 million ($98 million) to reconstruct the railway connecting the port of Durres to Rrogozhine. Kallas highlighted the importance of this project, noting it would serve as a vital route for military mobility among NATO member states in Southeast Europe amid the current security landscape.
Additionally, Albania is facing parliamentary elections on May 11, where Rama's governing leftist Socialist Party has put EU membership at the forefront of their agenda. However, the conservative opposition has accused the Socialists of corruption and has called into question their ability to drive the country forward.
Kallas commenced her regional tour with a visit to Montenegro and concluded her trip with a visit to Bosnia on the same day.
