EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, affirmed Albania’s EU future during a visit where she met with President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama.
At a joint press conference with Rama, Kallas praised Albania as a strong EU partner, emphasizing its alignment with EU foreign and security policy as a NATO member. She specifically cited Albania’s implementation of Russia sanctions and support for Ukraine.
“The EU is fully committed to Albania, and our cooperation is mutually beneficial,” Kallas stated. She noted the signing of the EU-Albania security and defense partnership and the launch of their first security and defense dialogue, aiming to expand cooperation in areas like hybrid threats, cybersecurity, terrorism, and crisis management.
Kallas acknowledged Albania’s ambitious goal to conclude EU negotiations within two years, stating that 2030 is a possible membership target “if we all take the right steps.”
She highlighted the signing of a €90 million agreement with the European Investment Bank to rebuild the Durrës-Rrogozhina railway (Corridor VIII), a project she said will boost jobs, trade, and regional connectivity, including military mobility for NATO.
Prime Minister Rama reiterated Albania’s full alignment with the EU and discussed the “great challenge of the process towards the EU” and the goal to conclude negotiations by 2027. He stressed the absence of open issues between Albania and the EU and the importance of regional stability.
President Begaj also met with Kallas to discuss EU enlargement, Albania’s accession progress, and its regional role.
