The EU Enlargement Commissioner, Marta Kos, is currently in Tirana, where she began her visit with a meeting alongside Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, followed by a joint press conference.
During the conference, Commissioner Kos affirmed that Albania’s path to EU membership is both secure and tangible.
“I appreciate your deep passion for both your country and the EU,” Kos remarked to Prime Minister Rama. “I’ve come to express my full support for the ambitious yet achievable goals that my team has outlined for you,” she added.
“You mentioned your aim to finalize negotiations by the end of 2027, and we are making progress, as chapters 2 and 3 have already been opened,” Kos indicated.
“It’s essential not only to open these chapters but also to close them. I am confident that with the reforms you are implementing, this goal is attainable. We genuinely hope for Albania to join the EU; you deserve it, as your membership would not only expand Europe but also strengthen it,” the commissioner stated.
Kos also highlighted Albania’s positive relations with its neighbors, recognizing it as a leader in regional cooperation.
She further stressed the importance of reform implementation. “The emphasis should be on executing the reforms that have been approved, while also accelerating the adoption of additional reforms, particularly in the justice sector, which is critical for the European integration process,” Kos emphasized.
The Commissioner pointed out that the EU membership process should involve the entire Albanian society, ensuring citizens comprehend the significance of this endeavor and why Albania is destined to become a member state.
“We will soon conduct a survey to assess the progress of EU enlargement and the perceptions in Albania. Based on the results, we will develop a campaign to engage the public. I hope many European journalists will visit Albania to witness firsthand the developments and life here,” Kos added.
In response, Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed Albania’s strong commitment to achieving the ambitious target of concluding EU negotiations by 2027.
“We are at a juncture where we can take pride in our achievements, and you have every reason to support us wholeheartedly. However, please understand that we do not view your support as guaranteed; it is something we must earn daily,” Rama stated.
Following their discussion, Commissioner Kos presented Prime Minister Rama with a basketball jersey featuring the number 11 and the EU flag.
“It reads ‘Team Europe,’ and we want Albania to become part of Europe. The number 11 is my lucky number, which is why I’ve chosen it for our team,” Kos shared.
Although Commissioner Kos mentioned that she doesn’t play basketball, she expressed her intention to climb Albania’s highest mountain, Korab, which stands at 2,764 meters, just 100 meters short of Slovenia’s tallest peak. “I would really like you to join me,” she said to Prime Minister Rama, who humorously replied, “When we join the EU, I’ll send you a fresh new prime minister to accompany you to the summit.”
During her visit, Commissioner Kos will also engage with independent judicial institutions, parliamentarians—including opposition representatives—and civil society organizations.
As part of her itinerary, the Commissioner plans to visit three EU-funded projects in Elbasan, where she will meet with social enterprises supported by assets seized from organized crime, engage with women who are survivors of gender-based violence, and connect with young students who are participating in a school exchange program designed to promote reconciliation and foster intercultural learning and dialogue. (March 13)
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