Oct. 31, 2024 – In a series of meetings on Wednesday, Albania’s President Bajram Begaj, Parliament Speaker Elisa Spiropali, and Prime Minister Edi Rama received the EU ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, as he officially presented the European Commission’s latest progress report on Albania. The report, which evaluates reforms crucial to Albania’s EU integration, was described by Rama as the most favorable since Albania became a candidate country in 2014.
During a press conference held at the prime minister’s office, Rama highlighted the significance of this year’s assessment, stating that the report reaffirms Albania’s achievements in meeting EU integration standards.
“This report is the most positive yet, reflecting the tangible progress Albania has made,” Rama said. “The recent Intergovernmental Conference was an acknowledgment of the country’s efforts toward meeting EU membership criteria. Our path is clear, with precise milestones for our next steps,” he added, underscoring Albania’s commitment to EU-mandated reforms.
Ambassador Gonzato said that the report offers a strategic roadmap for Albania’s EU trajectory, noting key areas where Albania could accelerate progress. “The enlargement package approved by the European Commission underscores Albania’s unwavering commitment to the EU integration process, which remains the country’s primary strategic goal,” Gonzato said. He commended Albania’s alignment with EU foreign and security policies, describing it as a testament to the nation’s reliability as a partner to the EU.
2030 Membership Goal Echoed by Albanian Leaders
President Begaj expressed optimism regarding the EU’s renewed focus on enlargement, particularly in the Western Balkans. “The revitalized EU enlargement agenda is encouraging for Albania and the region as a whole,” Begaj remarked in a statement released by the presidency.
Parliament Speaker Spiropali echoed this ambition, describing EU membership by 2030 as an achievable goal for Albania. “This is an ambitious, yet entirely feasible project that reflects the determination of the Albanian people and our alignment with European values,” Spiropali said.
The progress report calls on Albanian authorities to expedite EU-focused reforms, especially in the area of rule of law, which remains a cornerstone of the EU accession criteria. According to the European Commission, advancing reforms in judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, and public administration are essential for Albania to maintain momentum in the membership negotiations.
Albania’s EU Integration Path
Since obtaining candidate status a decade ago, Albania has taken significant steps toward meeting the EU’s rigorous standards. On October 15, Albania marked a key milestone with the Second Intergovernmental Conference, which officially opened negotiations on the initial membership chapters. The meeting highlighted Albania’s achievements in harmonizing with EU policies, though it also underscored areas where further improvements are necessary.
The progress report is released at a time when the EU is increasingly focused on the Western Balkans, viewing the region’s integration as pivotal to stability and prosperity within Europe. With the strategic goal of membership by 2030, Albania’s government has reiterated its commitment to the reform agenda laid out by the European Commission, setting the nation on a steady path toward joining the EU.
