Tirana has emerged once again as a focal point of European diplomacy as it hosts the European Political Community (EPC) Summit, gathering leaders from across the continent at a crucial moment for both Albania and the wider Western Balkans. The summit comes with renewed optimism surrounding Albania’s EU accession path and broader discussions on European security, integration, and the geopolitical future of Southeast Europe.
European Council President António Costa, visiting Albania ahead of the summit, delivered a pointed message of encouragement to Albanian citizens. “I have a strong message for the Albanian people,” he stated. “In the coming months, I am confident that Albania will do excellent work, and by the time I return next year, we won’t be answering the same question — because Albania will be on the brink of EU membership.” Costa’s remarks underscore growing support from Brussels for the country`s efforts and signal that Albania may finally be approaching a breakthrough moment after years of reform and negotiation.
Standing alongside Costa, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized the historic nature of the opportunity at hand. “We are in possession of a historic chance,” Rama declared. “The stars have aligned. The European Union has opened the door, and now it’s up to us to meet the conditions outlined in the roadmap, aiming for full compliance by the end of 2027.” Rama reiterated Albania’s commitment to the process, while also highlighting that once the necessary domestic reforms are in place, the next step will be a decision from Brussels. “If we do our part, the ball will be in their court.”
Albania`s progress in negotiations has indeed been noteworthy. With 16 chapters of the EU acquis already opened and eight more expected to follow soon, the country`s path toward integration seems more tangible than ever. Rama noted that the current momentum represents both a political and symbolic shift: “We are at the heart of Europe, and so long as we are not members, we remain strangers in our own neighborhood.”
Beyond Albania’s specific accession process, the summit also addresses regional
dynamics. Costa’s visit to Tirana follows a tour across the Western Balkans, indicating the EU`s strategic interest in stabilizing and integrating the region.
Rama used the occasion to urge fellow leaders across the Balkans to seize the moment. “This is not just about Albania. It is about the entire region not missing a historic window that has opened in front of us,” he stated.
In parallel to these European aspirations, another significant issue continues to draw attention — the status of Albanians residing in the United Kingdom. During a joint press conference in November 2024 with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Rama addressed the long-standing issue affecting thousands of Albanian nationals who, upon arriving in the UK decades ago, registered under Kosovar identities to seek refugee status during times of crisis. “These are people who have lived integrated lives in the UK for over 20 years, contributing to its economy and society with dignity,” Rama explained. “Yet today, many live with dual identities and face legal uncertainty.”
This issue has taken on renewed urgency as the UK’s Home Office has revoked British citizenship from over 1,800 individuals since 2010, citing fraudulent applications. Rama appealed for a pragmatic, humane review of such cases. “We must find a solution for those who are fully integrated citizens and who contribute regularly to British life,” he said, warning against continued stigmatization of the Albanian community by parts of the British media.
According to Rama, approximately 50,000 Albanians with British passports and another 50,000 with Albanian citizenship currently contribute to the UK, forming a vital part of its social and economic fabric. “After all the work we’ve done together with the British government, it is unacceptable for Albanians to continue being labeled as a problem,” he said.
As Tirana hosts this pivotal European gathering, the atmosphere is one of cautious optimism. Albania, once on the periphery of the European project, now finds itself at the center of an evolving European narrative — one shaped by the promise of enlargement, the resilience of regional cooperation, and the enduring aspiration of its people to belong to a shared European future. Whether this moment of alignment between opportunity and political will leads to tangible outcomes remains to be seen, but the message from Tirana is clear: Albania is ready. Now, it is Europe’s move.
Written by our correspondent A.T.
