Prime Minister Edi Rama said from Paris that the government aims to close negotiations with the European Union by the end of 2027, a goal that, according to him, remains dependent not only on the work of official Tirana but also on developments within the EU itself. In the same appearance, the head of government also commented on emigration and the state of democracy in the country.
The 2027 goal, but without full guarantees
During a conversation at the Paris Peace Forum, Rama presented the end of 2027 as the deadline the government is targeting for the completion of negotiations with the EU.
He said he could not make promises about a process that does not depend only on Albania. According to his version, based on the progress report and the position of the European Commission, 2027 is seen as the moment when work should begin on the Accession Treaty, if the course of the process remains positive.
The government also ties the process to the political climate in Europe
Rama acknowledged that the pace of integration is not determined only by the rhythm of reforms in the country, but also by political developments in key member states of the union.
In this context, he also mentioned the upcoming elections in France, suggesting that the direction the EU itself takes over the next two or three years could directly affect Albania’s timetable.
Emigration, between government optimism and rising expectations
On emigration, the prime minister rejected the idea that this is a growing trend. According to him, the movement of citizens should be seen as part of a phase of development in which the economy, wages and tourism have grown, and along with them expectations have also increased.
Rama argued that today’s Albania is different from that of 10 years ago, linking this change to the way the country is perceived abroad, including attention in the French media to tourism and hospitality.
Democracy, a topic the government admits is unfinished
In Paris, Rama also touched on the issue of democracy, saying that it is never finished and requires continuous improvement.
The statement comes at a time when the debate over democratic standards and the functioning of institutions in Albania remains open, while the prime minister himself acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.
Rama’s appearance from Paris produced a new political deadline for negotiations with the EU, but also a clear reservation: the final decision-making is not only in the hands of the Albanian government.
This is precisely what makes the declared objective more of a political aim than a final guarantee.