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EU integration, Kaja Kallas warns of a difficult path for Albania

Politiko 2025-04-08 13:47:37

EU integration, Kaja Kallas warns of a difficult path for Albania

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday welcomed Albania's "ambitious" agenda to close full membership negotiations in two years and also urged the country's political parties to support the difficult reforms ahead.

Kaja Kallas, who is on a regional tour, was in the Albanian capital, Tirana, to meet with the country's leaders and assure them that the country's future is in the bloc.

"Albania has an ambitious agenda to close negotiations with the EU in the next two years," Kallas said at a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. "It is vital to maintain the high pace of reforms. And I also understand that reforms are always quite difficult."

However, "Albania's future is in the European Union," she said.

The EU decided in 2020 that it would launch full membership negotiations with Albania, and talks began last October on how the country aligns with the EU's position on issues such as the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, and the fight against corruption.

The Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – are at various stages in their applications for EU membership. They have been frustrated by the slow pace of progress, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 encouraged European leaders to push for all six to join the bloc.

"Your decision to fully implement EU sanctions against Russia along with your political, military and humanitarian support for Ukraine demonstrates your commitment to our shared values," Kallas said.

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