European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to Albania’s integration during an official visit to Tirana, part of her tour across the Western Balkans. The trip comes as Albania progresses in its bid to join the bloc.
At a joint press conference held with Prime Minister Edi Rama following an official reception ceremony, the two leaders discussed the country’s path toward EU membership, ongoing reforms, and European support for Albania.
Prime Minister Rama emphasised that Albania’s future is firmly anchored in the European Union. He stressed that the country is united on this issue, stating, “There is no debate here. Albanians agree that our future must be built in the EU.”
Rama highlighted the opening of negotiations for the first chapters of Albania’s accession process, noting that the country has entered a new phase in its relationship with the EU. “Our team in Brussels has shown its readiness to tackle this challenge head-on,” he added, recognising the growing complexity of the negotiation process.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Albania’s alignment with EU foreign policy, particularly in tackling shared challenges. “Albania will continue to stand alongside the European Union in all matters of common interest,” Rama concluded.
Von der Leyen praised Albania’s progress, underscoring that the opening of negotiations represents the culmination of years of dedication and reform. “Albania is on the right track to become a member of the EU. This success is the result of hard work and commitment to our common goals,” she said.
She reiterated the EU’s focus on enlargement in her next mandate, stressing that the Western Balkans remain a high priority. Von der Leyen also pointed to the increased support Albania has received from the EU, including substantial investments in key reforms.
When asked about the recent Albania-Italy agreement on immigration, von der Leyen clarified that the EU is monitoring the developments but noted, “This is a bilateral agreement, and we do not comment on its specifics.”
During her visit, von der Leyen also joined Rama in inaugurating the new College of Europe campus in Tirana, a key educational institution that will foster future leaders in European studies.
Albania, which has been a candidate for EU membership since 2014, reached a major milestone earlier this month with the official opening of negotiations for the first group of chapters at the Second Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU.
