Rama: “I’m not for a ‘Greater Albania’ — I want a bigger Europe”

Prime Minister Edi Rama, asked about the European Union integration process, said the country continues working to close the negotiation chapters, while stressing that no concrete date can be set for membership, since the decision does not depend on Albania alone.

“We are in contact and we keep working. We are on track to closing the chapters; when it will happen nobody knows, there is no date. Nobody can set a date with the EU. The idea is to do your homework and hope for the best,” Rama said.

Speaking at the Tourism Summit 2026, Rama said he backs a bigger Europe and supports enlargement and the inclusion of more countries in the European Union. “I am in favour of a bigger Europe, not a smaller one. I have never been in favour of the idea of a bigger Albania, because I have been in favour of the idea of a bigger Europe. Canada, welcome, whoever wants to, welcome, I see no problem. I welcome this associate membership. I welcome everyone to become part of the EU. Even if President Trump were to come, he is welcome,” Rama said.