Albania aims to join the EU by 2030 within an “ambitious but achievable” timeframe, according to Edi Rama in his interview with Euronews. The European Commission’s yearly evaluation of EU candidate countries offered largely positive feedback for Tirana.
Prime Minister Edi Rama affirmed to Euronews that Albania is determined to become a member of the European Union by 2030, describing his nation as “the most Euro-optimistic country in Europe.”
“The year 2030 is not a figment of imagination; it is a deadline based on a straightforward calculation,” he explained during his conversation at Euronews’ EU Enlargement Summit held on Tuesday.
He anticipates concluding negotiations within the upcoming two years, which would then allow an additional two years for EU national parliaments to ratify the membership, he noted.
This timetable is seen as assertive by both Albania and the European Commission, or in Rama’s own words, “ambitious but doable.”
The annual review from the European Commission regarding the status of EU candidate countries in the accession process conveyed an overall positive outlook for Albania.
Brussels highlighted that talks with Tirana have gained «unprecedented momentum» this year. Rama told Euronews that Albania’s success hinges not only on “hard work” but also on the EU’s commitment, not solely on the candidates’ efforts.
The Albanian prime minister expressed optimism that this progress would persist, enabling his country to finally secure its position at the EU table after enduring “years of humiliation,” during which advancement was hindered by a lack of engagement from Brussels and certain member states.
«Regrettably, it took a military aggression on European soil to prompt Brussels to awaken,» he remarked, referring to the acceleration in membership talks following the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
‘No lectures from anyone on the fight against corruption’
One of the significant challenges Albania confronts on its journey toward EU membership involves combating corruption.
“Currently, we accept assistance, partnership, and support, but we do not tolerate lectures from anyone regarding the battle against corruption,” Rama stated.
Since submitting its EU candidacy, Albania has implemented various measures to tackle corruption, such as establishing a specialized anti-corruption agency, SPAK, which addresses corruption and organised crime at the highest government levels.
As part of this initiative, Rama’s administration employs AI-driven technology. This effort is personified by an AI-generated avatar called ‘Diella,’ who functions as a «virtual minister» dedicated to enhancing public procurement and eradicating corruption.
“Diella represents the outcome of a systemic battle, one that extends beyond prosecuting cases and court actions, focusing on reform through modernisation,” he explained.
Rama informed Euronews that by 2027, Albania will deploy a fully AI-powered public procurement platform designed to deliver unmatched levels of speed, transparency, and precision.