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Albania and the European Union: A joint journey towards a shared future

2025-11-03 13:53:00, Opinione Ferit Hoxha

In Albania, the process of accession to the European Union is not just a political goal on a government agenda, but is the defining journey of a nation.

Its path towards the EU embodies the aspirations of a European country that for almost five decades was politically self-isolated from the most brutal communist regime and the hopes of a nation that, after being liberated, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to European values: democracy, the rule of law, human rights, solidarity and peace.

It cannot be denied that despite the solemn promise of Thessaloniki in 2003, the path to the EU for the Western Balkans has been slow, and in the judgment of a large majority of its citizens, discouraging and very frustrating.

It's no secret that, after Croatia's accession in 2013, enlargement was barely on the EU's agenda for almost a decade. Fortunately, that has changed.

Albania has approached every step of this process with strong determination and open-minded realism. It has continued to focus on key domestic reforms, not simply as a technical or bureaucratic exercise, but as a full-fledged transformative drive, deeply rooted in institutional culture and societal behavior.

Through an unparalleled comprehensive judicial reform that has redefined its justice system, profound institutional and legislative changes in public administration, upholding human and minority rights and redoubling anti-corruption measures, as well as its continued full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, Albania has demonstrated, in deeds not words, its irreversible commitment to the European path.

This unwavering confidence and renewed focus on enlargement have set the pace of negotiations: in less than a year, it has opened an extraordinary 28 chapters and is on track to open all negotiation chapters before the end of this year.

Enlargement is not a choice, it is a necessity

Enlargement policy is also a test of the EU's ability to look inward and outward at the same time, to strengthen itself by embracing those who share its goals and principles.

EU membership is not charity, as previous rounds of enlargement have shown, it is an investment in the stability, security, credibility and prosperity of Europe.

In times of geopolitical uncertainty, completing the European project through enlargement is not a choice, it is a necessity. What was once enlargement fatigue must give way to enlargement confidence.

Albania's expectations are clear: it aims to close technical negotiations by 2027 and be able to join the EU by 2030.

It seems ambitious, but it is realistic and achievable. Albania supports a fair and merit-based process that recognizes tangible progress and maintains momentum. Predictability, clarity and credibility are essential for public trust, both for member states and candidates.

When citizens see concrete results and clear benefits, their trust in Europe deepens.

As leaders gather to discuss enlargement and the future of the European Union, Albania stands with an open heart and a clear message: joining Europe is our choice, not only because we are part of its foundation, its history and its identity.

This is why, for us, enlargement is reunification, representing the fulfillment of a common European project that includes all those who share its interests and support its values. / published on Euronews, translated by CNA

Written by Ferit Hoxha, Ambassador, Head of the Mission of Albania to the European Union.