European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a two-layered message in Tirana: praise for Albania’s pace in the integration process and a clear reminder that words about reform are not enough without implementation. Alongside Prime Minister Edi Rama, she listed Albania among the countries moving fastest toward the EU, but made clear that the real test lies in justice, the environment and the standards that affect everyday life.
Brussels speaks of progress, but with clear conditions
According to von der Leyen’s remarks, Albania is among the countries that have advanced the most in the process of joining the European Union. She said significant progress had been recorded over the past year, presenting the country as one of the most notable cases in the region.
However, her message was not a blank cheque for the government. The European Commission president stressed that the country must continue with reforms and, above all, with their full implementation, underlining that only this gives real weight to the integration process.
Justice and the environment, two areas where the EU wants proof
Von der Leyen highlighted the opened chapters, the judicial framework and environmental protection as priorities. In essence, the signal from Brussels is that closer ties with the EU are measured not only by the formal approval of reforms, but by the concrete effects they produce for citizens.
This is a politically significant detail, as it shifts the debate from the rhetoric of success to responsibility for implementation. On justice in particular, the message was clear: standards must be strengthened and not simply declared as achievements.
213 million euros, SEPA and the promise of lower roaming charges
On the economic front, von der Leyen said Albania has completed more than 80% of the steps envisaged under the EU Growth Plan and has received 213 million euros from the European Union. She also mentioned the country’s inclusion in SEPA as a step linked to financial integration and easier transactions.
Another point she highlighted was the process of reducing roaming charges. Von der Leyen spoke of the aim for this to lead to free roaming, presenting it as a practical step bringing citizens closer to the European market.
Membership “based on merit,” not automatic
The president of the European Commission said Albania’s EU membership will be based on merit. According to her, concrete roadmaps will be drafted for the countries that have made the greatest progress, setting out the next steps toward accession.
She explained that the EU will examine institutions, policies and finances to assess readiness for admitting new members. This means that, despite the positive tone, the process remains conditioned by measurable standards rather than political declarations.
From the earthquake to rebuilt schools
In closing, von der Leyen also referred to EU support after the 2019 earthquake. She recalled that the European Union had promised to stand by Albania and mentioned the reconstruction of 63 schools through the European programme.
Among them, she mentioned the “Emin Duraku” school, planned to be visited, linking this investment to the idea of a new generation of Europeans being educated in Albania.
The visit to Tirana once again brought political support for Albania’s European course, but also a reminder that Brussels is not giving unconditional approval.
If the government presents this as proof of success, the most delicate part remains the one the EU itself placed at the centre: the real implementation of reforms and standards that are not measured by conferences, but by results.