AL
Stories (5)
‘We need to talk to everyone’
Albania’s prime minister, Edi Rama, tells POLITICO at Delphi Economic Forum that Europe errs by “cutting channels” with Russia and should keep direct dialogue to influence any end to the Ukraine war. He argues Europe must talk to everyone, including Moscow, warning that delaying talks diminishes Europe’s say in any peace deal. Rama emphasizes Albania’s pro-EU stance, zero Russian dependencies, and a hard line against Iran while maintaining close ties with the United States. H
2026-05-24Edi Rama Wins Historic 4th Term in Albania
Albania’s election delivered a decisive victory for Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Socialist Party, delivering Rama a historic fourth term and a commanding majority (around 82 seats in a 140-seat parliament). Rama framed the win as a stepping-stone toward EU membership by 2030, heightening expectations for Western alignment on foreign policy and security. Key implications: - EU aspirations and diplomacy: Rama touted EU accession as a core mandate, hosting events at Europe H
2026-05-24Albania’s EU expansion plan | Euractiv
Summary: - Albania’s path toward EU membership remains a top priority for Tirana, but Brussels’ plans are unclear and politically delicate as enlargement shifts back into the spotlight. - The EU is considering a “gradual integration” approach (benefits of membership in specific areas before full accession), a move Albania and others seek to understand and shape. Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha questions how such a mechanism would work in practice and advocates for more
2026-05-24Albania's EU Membership Reform Proposal
Albania’s foreign minister Ferit Hoxha urges the EU to reform enlargement to be more inclusive and merit-based, arguing that a step-by-step, more engaged accession process would curb brain drain and better prepare candidates for membership. Key points: - Albania calls for greater EU participation in meetings and structures, tied to reform milestones, to make accession more comprehensive and action-oriented. - Hoxha argues Western Balkan states, already reforming domestically
2026-05-24Frozen Courtesies
Summary: The article analyzes Albania–Greece relations as a paradox of strong social and economic ties paired with stalled diplomacy. Key points: - Maritime delimitation with Albania is no longer a top Greek priority, with Athens prioritizing overall bilateral issue management and regional agreements, casting doubt on promised progress by 2026. - The Fredi Beleri case strained trust and channels of communication, highlighting how minority rights and rule-of-law concerns affec
2026-05-24