Kallas visit to Tirana: Integrating Albania into the European family by 2030, a realistic objective

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, made an official visit to Tirana where she had meetings with the highest state authorities, President Bajram Begaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama, and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani, while she was present at the signing of the loan agreement with the EIB for the financing of the Durrës-Rrogozhinë railway, part of Corridor 8.

During the joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Kallas stated that the objective for Albania’s integration into the European family by 2030 is a realistic goal, but it is based on the rule of law and is conditioned by whether both parties during this journey fulfill their “homework”.

“Not only the reforms that need to be approved, but also the approved reforms that need to be implemented,” she added.

“The rule of law is extremely important, as the rule of law is one of the foundations of the EU, but also the foundation of a country’s prosperity because if investors have confidence in your legal system, they are confident to invest in your economy. This is in the best interest of Albania, it is realistic if we all do our homework,” said Kallas.

For his part, Prime Minister Edi Rama described the meeting as very positive while declaring that Albania is 100% aligned with the European Union’s foreign policy. He also highlighted the very ambitious calendar agreed with the European Commission for the conclusion of membership negotiations by 2027.

The Albanian Prime Minister assessed that there are no open issues between Albania and the European Union.

Meanwhile, in the premises of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the first session of the Security and Defense Dialogue was launched, which comes within the framework of the Security and Defense Partnership, previously signed in December 2024, between Albania and the EU.

The Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, stated that Albania supports any initiative that strengthens Europe’s ability to act independently and face global challenges, always in close coordination with transatlantic partners.

The Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative, Kaja Kallas, at the end of her visit to Tirana, spoke with students, representatives of think tanks, and Young European Ambassadors about “The Future of European Security: The Role of the Western Balkans and the Power of Young Voices.” (April 8)