Former French President François Hollande visited Tirana, where he met Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and other state officials as part of discussions focused on Albania’s path toward full European Union membership.
In an interview for Top Channel, Hollande addressed Albania’s EU accession prospects, France’s role in the process, and the importance of merit-based enlargement.
Asked whether the 2030 target for Albania’s EU membership is realistic, Hollande said the progress achieved so far justifies such expectations, while stressing that reforms still need to be completed.
“Yes, as you said, I was President when France considered Albania a candidate for EU membership. Since then, a lot has been done, stages have been passed, chapters have been opened one after another, so the 2030 forecast is the right one,” he said.
He noted that although the process may feel slow to many Albanians, EU procedures are strict and time-consuming, but ultimately beneficial for ensuring success both inside the Union and for Albania’s development.
Hollande also expressed support for the Franco-German initiative on gradual and structured EU integration, saying it would allow candidate countries to participate earlier in EU decision-making processes without waiting for full membership.
He stressed that this should not be seen as delaying accession, but as a step toward deeper integration, particularly for the Western Balkans.
On the broader geopolitical context, Hollande said Russia’s war in Ukraine has accelerated EU enlargement discussions, but emphasized that the Western Balkans should be integrated into the EU not only because of external conflicts, but also for Europe’s own security and stability.
He warned that EU enlargement is essential to prevent foreign interference in the region and to strengthen Europe’s borders and security architecture.
Regarding France’s recent engagement with Albania, Hollande welcomed the increased political attention, noting the importance of strong Franco-Albanian relations based on culture, trust, and shared European values.
He also highlighted the rise of populist and far-right movements in Europe, arguing that Albania’s EU membership would strengthen democratic currents within the Union.
Hollande concluded that Albania’s accession to the EU is both a political and strategic necessity for Europe’s future.
