EU calls on Albania to implement reforms for membership progress

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - The EU reiterated on Tuesday its support for Albania’s accession ambitions, urging the country to accelerate reforms, particularly in the rule of law and anti-corruption areas.

At a joint press conference in Tirana with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that Albania’s future lies within the European Union, but underlined that "there are no shortcuts on the path of accession." The 27-member bloc opened accession negotiations with Albania in March 2020.

"Reforms are always difficult, but they are essential," Kallas said. "It is vital to sustain the high pace of reforms, especially in the rule of law. It’s not only a requirement for the EU but a foundation for Albania’s prosperity."

The visit marked the launch of the first-ever EU-Albania Strategic Security and Defense Dialogue, a move described by both parties as a deepening of bilateral cooperation in security, counterterrorism, and cyber defense.

The EU has already provided €13 million through the European Peace Facility to support Albania’s defense readiness and proposed joint defense procurement initiatives for EU candidate countries, Kallas said.

She commended Albania’s alignment with EU foreign and security policy, including full implementation of EU sanctions against Russia and continued support for Ukraine.

"Your political, military, and humanitarian support shows your commitment to our shared values," she said.

Rama highlighted Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s foreign policy and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to meeting the bloc’s expectations. He confirmed that Albania aims to complete accession negotiations by 2027, followed by a two-year ratification period, setting 2030 as a realistic target year for EU membership.

“We are very prepared to conclude negotiations by 2027,” Rama said. “It’s a plan agreed with the Commission, and now it’s up to us to deliver.”

He stressed that Albania’s EU integration is a strategic goal requiring political consensus at home and sustained reform implementation.

“No one can stop us if we do our part,” Rama said, expressing optimism about political stability after the upcoming May 11 elections.

Kallas also witnessed the signing of a €90 million agreement with the European Investment Bank to reconstruct the Durres-Rrogozhine railway, a project set to boost regional connectivity and military mobility.