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"We need to enter the EU as soon as possible", Rama: Crime is a problem everywhere, and Brussels is no better

2025-11-19 20:51:27Politikë SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
"We need to enter the EU as soon as possible", Rama: Crime is a
Prime Minister Edi Rama

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said his country deserves a seat at the European Union table, highlighting the progress of reforms and the broad support of citizens. He acknowledged that crime and corruption remain serious challenges, but added that these are not problems unique to Albania: “Brussels has crime too.”

In an interview with Euronews.com, Rama said that Albania should become a member of the EU as soon as possible, after a decade of deep reforms and a steadfast approach to European integration. He recalled that the country has already entered the final phase of negotiations and sees 2030 as an achievable date for membership.

Albania has been a candidate country for more than ten years, but the new geopolitical dynamics caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine have increased the EU's willingness to enlarge. As a result, Albania is now considered one of the most favored countries in the process.

Rama, in office since 2013 and confirmed for a fourth term last year, said the country has undergone a profound transformation and remains strongly committed to European values. He described the EU as a “good empire” that guarantees freedom and the rule of law.

The European Commission has praised the progress made, noting that Albania could be ready to join by the end of the decade if the pace of reforms is maintained. With a population of 2.3 million, about the size of Prague, the country poses few challenges to the EU's absorption capacity, both demographically and economically.

However, the Commission stressed in the enlargement report published last month that Albania needs to strengthen the fight against organised crime, improve systems for preventing money laundering and intensify measures against human trafficking, to align with EU standards.

Rama, in the interview with Euronews, admitted that these remain real challenges:

"Do we have problems with organized crime? Yes, but who doesn't? Look at this city (Brussels). This is another example. But there are also great things."

He added that the international perception of Albania has changed significantly:

"They used to see us as a miserable hole in the middle of Europe, now they see us as part of the European mosaic."

Close relations with Italy

During his stay in Brussels for a European Commission forum on enlargement, Rama noted the support of European counterparts for Albania's accession process, as well as his close relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

To become part of the EU, a country must complete technical negotiations and receive unanimous political approval from all member states.

In 2023, Albania and Italy signed an agreement to set up migration centers on Albanian territory, financed and managed by Italian authorities. The pact has attracted international attention and criticism, including concerns about moving European borders to a third country and possible violations of asylum law principles.

Rama defended the agreement, calling it an act of solidarity with Italy at a time of great migratory pressure. He denied that it constituted a violation of Albanian sovereignty: “Italy asked us. And when Italy asks, we always say yes. Italians are Albanians wearing Versace.”

The prime minister added that the “Albanian model” will not be expanded to other countries, even though some member states have expressed interest in it, in the context of Europe’s tougher approach to migration. / Euronews.com


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