Edy Rama // Photo; EPA-EFE/JOHN THYS / POOL
In an interview with Euronews, Rama described the commitment to European integration as “almost fanatical,” emphasizing that Albania remains fully focused on EU membership.
“We are fanatics of faith in the EU. Whatever it takes, we remain faithful to it,” he stated.
Albania gained EU candidate country status in 2014 and opened accession talks in 2020, but the enlargement process remains protracted and heterogeneous.
Rama noted that the traditional model of accession no longer fits the current geopolitical conditions and advocated a new approach, which envisages earlier and partial integration of candidate countries into EU structures.
He referred to the Franco-German “phased structured integration” initiative under discussion in the EU, which aims to give candidates access to selected membership benefits before negotiations are finalized.
In this context, the prime minister also mentioned the idea of “political inclusion” of the candidate countries in the “European family”, including participation in discussions, but without full decision-making power.
Warning about external influences
Rama warned of the risks of spreading anti-EU sentiment in the region, which he said was fueled by “third actors” seeking to undermine the credibility of the enlargement process.
He did not name specific states, but emphasized that such narratives could increase political instability in the Western Balkans.
The interview also referred to the situation in Moldova as an example of a country where a protracted integration process can create space for political polarization and external influence. Moldova applied to join the EU in 2022 and started accession negotiations in 2024. Brussels views enlargement to the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe as a key strategic direction.
