By TeleshkronjaPost Editorial Desk
For over three decades, Albania’s journey toward European Union membership has been defined by ambition, struggle, and resilience. From the collapse of its communist regime in 1991 to the official opening of accession negotiations in 2022, Albania has steadily pursued the dream of joining the European family. Yet, despite significant progress in governance, economy, and democratic standards, the road to EU membership remains long and uncertain — shaped by both domestic challenges and the shifting geopolitics of Europe itself.
From Isolation to Integration
Albania’s aspiration to join the EU began immediately after its political transition in the early 1990s. Emerging from one of Europe’s most isolated dictatorships, the country faced the daunting task of rebuilding institutions, fostering democracy, and integrating into international structures. The signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) in 2006 marked the first concrete step toward European integration, symbolizing Albania’s formal commitment to the EU path.
In 2014, Albania was granted EU candidate status — a historic milestone that reflected years of reform efforts, particularly in public administration and the judiciary. However, progress since then has been uneven. While successive governments have implemented legal and institutional reforms, political polarization, corruption, and weak rule of law have frequently slowed momentum.
The Turning Point: Negotiations Opened in 2022
After years of waiting and repeated delays, the European Council finally agreed to open accession negotiations with Albania in July 2022. The move was largely seen as a recognition of the country’s steady alignment with EU values, as well as a geopolitical signal in the context of renewed tensions in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, the decision was not without conditions. The EU emphasized that negotiations would proceed based on measurable progress in key areas — primarily the fight against corruption and organized crime, judicial independence, electoral integrity, and freedom of the press. In essence, Albania’s membership would depend not only on meeting formal criteria but also on demonstrating genuine, lasting reforms.
The Core Challenge: Rule of Law and Governance
At the heart of Albania’s EU journey lies the question of governance. Despite visible improvements in administrative efficiency and digital services, corruption remains a structural issue. The justice reform — launched in 2016 with EU and US support — has been one of the most ambitious institutional overhauls in the region. Through the vetting process, hundreds of judges and prosecutors were dismissed or resigned due to unethical conduct or unexplained wealth.
While this process has strengthened judicial credibility, it has also left the system understaffed, creating delays in case handling and reducing citizens’ trust in the judiciary. The EU acknowledges Albania’s determination but continues to urge consistent enforcement of anti-corruption laws and depoliticization of key institutions.
Another central concern is the functioning of democracy. Political dialogue in Albania remains highly polarized, often marked by boycotts, protests, and mutual accusations between the ruling Socialist Party and the opposition. This political tension undermines consensus on key reforms and weakens the democratic culture that the EU expects from candidate countries.
Economic Transformation and Structural Weaknesses
Economically, Albania has made steady progress. Over the past decade, GDP per capita has grown, unemployment has fallen, and the tourism sector has boomed, positioning Albania as one of Europe’s emerging destinations. Foreign investment, particularly in energy, construction, and services, has increased, and the government has taken steps to align fiscal policy with EU standards.
Yet, structural weaknesses persist. The economy remains heavily dependent on remittances and vulnerable to external shocks. Informality continues to limit tax revenues, and public debt remains relatively high. Moreover, the exodus of young, educated Albanians seeking better opportunities abroad poses a serious demographic and economic challenge — one that directly affects long-term sustainability.
EU integration is not only a political goal but also an economic necessity. Membership could open access to structural funds, the single market, and free labor mobility — all of which could accelerate Albania’s modernization. However, until governance and rule of law match EU expectations, economic convergence will remain incomplete.
The Geopolitical Dimension: A Europe in Transition
The war in Ukraine and growing competition between Western institutions and other powers — including Russia, China, and Turkey — have reshaped Europe’s enlargement agenda. The Western Balkans, long viewed as a peripheral region, are now seen as strategically vital to Europe’s stability and security.
Albania has positioned itself firmly in the Western camp, aligning with EU foreign policy, joining sanctions against Russia, and actively participating in NATO operations. This loyalty has earned Tirana diplomatic credibility in Brussels and Washington. Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government has also played a proactive role in regional cooperation initiatives such as the Berlin Process and Open Balkan.
Nonetheless, the EU remains cautious. While geopolitical urgency has rekindled enlargement discussions, internal divisions among EU member states persist. Countries like France and the Netherlands advocate for a “reformed EU first” approach, while others, including Italy, Austria, and Hungary, push for faster enlargement to counter external influence. Albania’s pace of accession will therefore depend not only on domestic reform but also on Europe’s political climate.
Public Opinion and European Identity
Among the Albanian population, EU membership continues to enjoy overwhelming support — consistently above 85% in polls. For many, joining the EU represents not just economic opportunity but also moral validation: a confirmation that Albania belongs to the European cultural and political family.
However, this enthusiasm has gradually been tempered by fatigue and skepticism. The repeated postponements of negotiations and the slow pace of progress have led some citizens to question whether EU membership is a realistic near-term goal. The challenge for Albanian leaders is to sustain momentum, manage expectations, and prevent disillusionment, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly drawn to emigrate rather than wait for reform.
Looking Ahead: Between Reform and Realism
Albania’s EU journey is at a crossroads. The legal and institutional frameworks are largely in place, but implementation and political culture remain key tests. The coming years will determine whether the reforms of the past decade translate into tangible change.
The EU, on its part, must recognize the progress made and offer clearer timelines and incentives. Enlargement fatigue in Brussels cannot indefinitely overshadow the aspirations of millions of Albanians who have embraced European values and reforms.
For Albania, integration is no longer a question of “if” but “when” — provided that reforms continue and trust is built both internally and with European partners. The country’s progress over the next five years will hinge on strengthening rule of law, depoliticizing institutions, ensuring media freedom, and maintaining economic stability.
Conclusion
Albania’s path to EU membership is a reflection of its modern history: marked by ambition, resilience, and the will to belong. The road is long, but the direction is clear. With sustained reform, genuine political dialogue, and consistent engagement from Brussels, the European dream of Albania may finally turn into reality.
For now, Albania stands at the edge of Europe — not as an outsider, but as a future member preparing for its rightful place at the table.
