Albania's 2030 EU goal: Edi Rama reflects on the path ahead

Jan 3, 2025 - In an exclusive interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama shared his hopes for Albania’s future and the ongoing challenges the country faces on its path to European Union membership. Speaking about his leadership and the broader regional dynamics, Rama also touched upon the political shifts affecting Europe and the United States.

Rama, who has been in power since 2013, hopes Albania will join the EU by 2030, a goal he describes as essential to the country’s future. “I hope that in 2030, Albania will be part of the European Union,” he said. “The road is long, but we are moving forward, and that is what matters.”

A former mayor of Tirana and a man of many talents – from basketball to painting – Rama’s career reflects his commitment to both political reform and artistic expression. He admitted that his creative side often spills into his leadership, with colorful pens and markers frequently making their way onto official documents as he drafts "random sketches" amid his busy schedule.

Reflecting on the political environment, Rama acknowledged the uncertainty that has gripped much of the world. He noted that the democratic world seems to have entered a phase of significant unrest, with 2024 poised to be even more uncertain than the year that preceded it. For Albania, however, 2024 was marked by a sense of relief after the country officially joined EU accession talks.

“It's like sailors finally spotting land after a long journey at sea,” Rama said, comparing Albania’s achievement to the relief felt by sailors after a challenging voyage.

Despite the progress, Rama remains focused on the tasks ahead. “Our biggest challenge is everything that will lead us to the historic step of joining the European Union. We need to make sure that the past does not hold back our future,” he explained.

Rama’s leadership and the political landscape in Albania have been shaped by his commitment to the country's integration into Europe. As the country prepares for parliamentary elections in May 2025, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of his government's efforts to protect youth, even blocking the popular app TikTok in Albania for one year as part of his protection strategy.

The Prime Minister also shared his thoughts on the political dynamics in Europe, especially the shift in voter participation rates. While Albania has managed to maintain strong voter turnout, he pointed to a worrying trend in other European countries, where participation in elections, including local ones in Italy, has dropped below 50%. He warned that apathy could undermine democracy.

Rama also spoke about his unusual relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who leads a center-right government. Despite their ideological differences, the two share a strong personal and professional bond. According to Rama, the issue of immigration and other global challenges are no longer bound by traditional political ideologies.

As Europe faces mounting challenges from immigration, global tensions, and shifting political landscapes, Rama reflected on the difficulty leaders face in today’s complex world. He pointed out that issues like these are increasingly beyond the control of national governments and require stronger cooperation across borders.

On the issue of his own future, Rama was cautious. Asked whether he planned to run for a fourth term in 2025, he responded modestly, acknowledging that his political journey would be determined by the will of the people.

“I hope that in 2030, Albania will be part of the European Union," Rama concluded. "But for now, I remain focused on what lies ahead and the work that still needs to be done.”