PM says there is ‘no plan B’ for EU membership

TIRANA, Dec 24, 2024 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has reiterated his government’s firm commitment to European Union membership, declaring there is “no Plan B” for the country’s future. Speaking at a year-end dinner with diplomats in Tirana, Rama vowed to prioritize EU integration above all else.

“Albania has no Plan B, only an unwavering and indisputable plan to join the European Union,” he told attendees. “Within this decade, we will give everything we have to make this a reality.”

A key decade for Albania

Albania has been an official EU candidate since 2014, but the journey to membership has been lengthy and complex. Rama’s comments highlight the government’s determination to accelerate reforms and address EU concerns over corruption and judicial independence.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of the upcoming general election in May 2025. He reassured international partners that Albania would remain aligned with Euro-Atlantic values regardless of the political outcome.

“Albanians will decide who governs, but they will all choose to uphold the values and principles of the Euro-Atlantic community,” he said.

Reforming for a united Europe

Rama underlined the government’s ongoing efforts to meet EU standards, describing these reforms as essential for Albania to become a "proud member" of the European family. He added that the commitment to democracy, individual freedoms, and the rule of law transcends political divides in the country.

“These are non-negotiable commitments that go beyond age, gender, region, or political beliefs,” Rama stated.