Albania’s Edi Rama tells Euronews there is ‘no alternative’ to EU accession

Albania's Edi Rama Touts EU Accession as Unavoidable Path

Albania s Edi Rama tells Euronews - Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has reiterated his belief that joining the European Union is the only viable option for his nation's future. During an exclusive interview with Euronews on the sidelines of the EU–Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, Rama emphasized the urgency of the process, stating, “We are fanatics. We are not like the others. We are the fanatics of the EU faith.” His remarks underscored a steadfast commitment to the bloc, even as the accession journey faces delays and political challenges.

Challenges in the EU Accession Process

Rama highlighted that the traditional model of EU membership is no longer sufficient for Albania’s aspirations. “Whatever it takes, however it goes, we remain rooted in the EU faith,” he said, stressing that his country has no Plan B. While Albania has been a candidate since 2014 and initiated formal negotiations in 2020, the path to full integration remains uncertain. The PM argued that a new strategy is essential, one that addresses the evolving dynamics of European politics.

Franco-German Proposal and Rama's Vision

His vision aligns with the Franco-German proposal for “structured gradual integration,” which aims to provide candidate nations with earlier benefits of EU membership while preserving the merit-based framework. Rama, however, added a unique perspective, referring to the concept as the “Helmut Kohl piece of the puzzle.” This metaphor implies that political unity and cooperation with current EU members are key to advancing the process, though one critical element remains missing.

“We need to find a different approach. But, there is one. One piece of the puzzle missing yet, which I call the Helmut Kohl piece of the puzzle, meaning... politics first, and then the rest follows,” Rama explained, drawing a parallel to the former German Chancellor’s leadership.

Rama's Call for Political Unity

Rama’s approach is not entirely novel. Last March, he co-authored a joint op-ed with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, advocating for partial integration as a stepping stone to revitalize the enlargement process. This strategy seeks to strengthen regional stability by allowing Balkan countries to engage more deeply with EU institutions before full membership. In the interview, he emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “It’s crucial to become part of the European Union family by sitting around the table with current member states and participating in decision-making step by step.”

EU Leadership and Public Sentiment

Rama also praised Ursula von der Leyen for reinvigorating the EU’s focus on expansion. “Before her, the previous [Commission President] said there is no enlargement,” he remarked, likening candidate countries to von der Leyen’s children. “The kids are around the table. And then they have to go through exams, to go to school [...] So it’s not them deciding anything around the table, but it’s them staying at the table. It’s them participating in the family life,” he added. This analogy suggests that Albania views itself as an active participant in the EU’s evolving narrative, rather than a passive observer.

External Forces and Trust Erosion

Despite his optimism, Rama acknowledged the presence of “forces” and “third actors” working to undermine EU accession. While he did not explicitly name Russia, he implied that such entities seek to benefit from the bloc’s instability. He pointed to Moldova as a case study, noting how delays in the accession process could erode public confidence in the EU. “Moldova is an example of this dynamic,” Rama said. “Delays in the process could fuel widespread distrust in the EU, ultimately benefiting Moscow.”

Moldova's Struggle for EU Membership

Moldova’s journey mirrors Albania’s challenges. The country submitted its EU application in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and was granted candidate status later that year. Accession talks began in 2024, but the process has been slow. Prime Minister Maia Sandu, a strong proponent of EU integration, framed it as a “matter of survival” amid Russian efforts to destabilize the nation. Her leadership, however, has faced resistance, particularly from the Patriotic Bloc (PSRM), a coalition of four parties closely aligned with Moscow.

“Maia Sandu is telling the Moldovans, ‘Come with me to Europe,’” Rama noted. “It’s not happening. She resisted two elections. The third election, maybe she will not resist.”

Rama also highlighted the narrow margin of victory in a 2025 referendum that sought to enshrine the EU path in Moldova’s constitution. This result reflects the fragile nature of pro-European sentiment in the country, which, despite being the majority view, remains vulnerable to shifting political tides. The referendum’s slim approval rate, he argued, illustrates how external pressures—such as Russian influence—can sway public opinion.

Rebuilding Trust in the EU

For Rama, the key to overcoming these obstacles lies in political cohesion and proactive engagement. He stressed that candidate countries must demonstrate their readiness to meet EU standards while simultaneously benefiting from closer ties. “You cannot say to the kids: ‘You have to stay somewhere in the neighbourhood and when you are ready, you will come in the family,’” he said, reinforcing the idea that integration should be a continuous process rather than a distant goal.

Rama’s comments come at a pivotal moment for the Western Balkans, where the EU’s enlargement agenda has stalled for years. His advocacy for structured gradual integration seeks to address this stagnation by offering a more flexible framework. This approach could provide the region with additional incentives to stay committed, while also aligning with the broader European strategy of fostering stability and unity.

Conclusion: A Shared European Destiny

Rama’s vision of the EU as a united family, comprising both established and newer members, challenges traditional notions of accession. By prioritizing political participation and mutual trust, he aims to reshape the narrative around enlargement. His remarks underscore the importance of maintaining momentum in the face of skepticism, both internal and external. As the Western Balkans continue to navigate the complexities of EU integration, Rama’s insistence on the inevitability of accession serves as a rallying call for unity and perseverance.

The PM’s perspective highlights the delicate balance between ambition and pragmatism. While the EU’s merit-based framework remains intact, the need for adaptation is clear. Rama’s emphasis on political first—referred to as the Helmut Kohl piece—suggests that progress hinges on demonstrating commitment and alignment with EU values. This strategy not only addresses the immediate challenges but also positions Albania as a leader in advocating for a more inclusive and dynamic enlargement process.

As the summit in Montenegro concludes, the debate over structured gradual integration continues to gain traction. Rama’s alignment with this idea, combined with his focus on political unity, positions Albania as a key player in shaping the future of the Western Balkans’ EU aspirations. Whether this approach can bridge the gap between candidate nations and EU members remains to be seen, but Rama’s determination to pursue the EU faith is unwavering.