When Edi Rama criticized Europe for turning a blind eye to Albania

By Fred Abrahams 

As the country was crumbling after the collapse of giant pyramid schemes, Rama accused Europe of choosing short-term stability through a strong leader, instead of investing long-term in democracy and the rule of law.

“Today Albania has collapsed because of the failure of Europeans to see the truth,” he wrote (facsimile below).

These words resonate strongly today – except now, Rama is the one in power, having just secured his fourth term as prime minister and last weekend hosted European leaders in Tirana for the sixth summit of the European Political Community (EPC).

Rama's article in the New York Times, March 15, 1997.

To be clear, the Albania of 2025 is a far cry from the chaos of 1997 under former President Sali Berisha, whose despotism brought Albania to the brink of collapse. But one essential element of that era survives: the concentration of power in a single man – always a man – who dominates the country’s political, social, and economic life.

On the surface, today's Albania appears transformed. Rama, unapologetic and cosmopolitan, pairs sneakers with suits, kneels on red carpets and extends his hand to leaders. But after twelve years in power, his mastery lies in managing foreign relations while maintaining an iron grip on the country.

This control was strengthened on May 11, when Rama and his Socialist Party won convincingly against the Berisha-led opposition, campaigning on a platform of EU membership. The EPC summit then turned into a victory parade.

Every handshake from Meloni, Merz and Macron in Tirana dulled the sharp criticisms of the elections raised by international observers from the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the European Parliament: misuse of public resources, pressure on civil servants and deep control over the media.

Beyond the elections, any international embrace legitimizes the entrenched corruption and oligarchic politics that exist beyond the luxurious towers surrounding Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, where – as the EPC’s official website informs – “Albania’s history and modern identity intertwine.”

The dynamics in Albania retain the same features of the last 35 years: charm abroad, control within. On stage, we see the rule of law, democracy and European values. Behind the scenes, blackmailed judges, bought media and manipulated tenders.

Since the fall of communism, Western governments have shown little interest in democracy in this small Balkan country, even though democratic criteria are part of the requirements for EU membership. What matters most is that Albania behaves responsibly in the region – especially on the issues of Kosovo and North Macedonia, as Rama does. And that it responds to calls when necessary, such as by helping Italy circumvent EU law by sending migrants and asylum seekers to camps in Albania.

Diplomacy abroad, dominance at home.

As Rama warned in 1997, European leaders once again demonstrate a “failure to see the truth.” Or perhaps they see it clearly – and choose not to see it at all.

The author of this Euractiv article, Fred Abrahams, is the author of Modern Albania: from Dictatorship to Democracy. He covered the Southern Balkans for Human Rights Watch from 1993 to 2000.