Prime Minister Edi Rama turned a question about European integration into a political response with defiant tones. Upon arriving at the Dublin summit, he said it is not for journalists to decide whether he is the right person to lead Albania into the European Union, but for Albanians, who, according to him, gave him a strong mandate in last year’s elections.
The answer on the EU shifted to the vote
Asked whether he remains the right person to bring Albania into the EU, Rama said this is not a matter to be decided by the media or commentators, but by voters.
According to his version, the answer was given by last year’s elections, which he presented as a strong mandate to lead the country toward the European Union. In the same statement, the prime minister also attacked critical narratives about Albania, describing them as lies and half-truths.
Before the summit, political messages for Europe as well
In remarks to the media, Rama also spoke more broadly about developments in Europe, arguing that the continent has supported Ukraine militarily, but without keeping open a sustainable channel of communication with Russia.
He said that, in his view, Europe made a mistake by leaving diplomacy to other actors and that it should speak directly with Moscow while continuing its support for Ukraine. On this point, Rama tried to present himself as critical of Europe’s approach so far, though without offering concrete political proposals.
The European Political Community and waiting for the NATO summit
During his comments, Rama also touched on the European Political Community summit, praising the role of the Irish presidency and presenting the meeting as a moment to see where Europe stands and what comes next.
He also addressed the issue of the NATO summit, saying there is still no joint decision on the date, but that, according to him, it is certain that it will not be held in 2027. According to Rama, if there is a summit in 2028, it will take place in Tirana.
Denials over negotiations on Sazan Island
Part of his remarks was also devoted to the interest of a foreign investor in a project in Albania, for which Rama denied that any final agreement has been reached.
According to the prime minister, no island has been sold, nor given under concession or lease, while the island remains the property of the Republic of Albania. He acknowledged that negotiations have been continuing for years and that the Albanian state is discussing its own role in this venture, wording that leaves open the public debate over the transparency of the talks.
In essence, Rama’s appearance in Dublin produced more political messages than new clarifications on the concrete progress of negotiations with the EU.
Beyond the rhetoric about the mandate and criticism of the media, it remains to be seen how much of these statements translates into real steps in the integration process and how much transparency is provided on issues that the government still describes as under negotiation.