Elisa Spiropali, Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, has declared that Albania is at the forefront of the Western Balkans in its path toward European Union membership, contrasting her country’s progress with Serbia’s stagnation.
Speaking about the negotiation chapters Albania has opened as part of the EU accession process, Spiropali said that Tirana is now ahead of Belgrade, noting that Serbia continues to be held back by its refusal to acknowledge war crimes and ethnic cleansing committed during the war in Kosovo.
“Albania opened negotiations just a year ago—chapters and sub-chapters—and today it stands at the forefront in the Balkans for EU membership. Serbia, however, is not here because it refuses to give up its power games. It is behind Albania in negotiations and not a favorite like Albania and Montenegro,” said Spiropali.
She added:
“Serbia does not accept its past. It does not acknowledge that war crimes and ethnic cleansing occurred in Kosovo.”
Albania’s Role in Regional Leadership
Spiropali emphasized that Albania must remain clear and aligned with its partners when shaping regional policies, particularly on issues concerning Kosovo.
“What we can do is be clear about our policies and where we want to be—aligned with our partners, consulting on decisions, and taking firm positions. Albania is a leader in the region. We have every opportunity to influence Kosovo-related issues,” she added.
The minister also noted that discussions over EU sanctions related to Kosovo have been ongoing for nearly two years.
Judicial Reforms and Remaining Challenges
Addressing Cluster One—which includes the judiciary, rule of law, and justice system—Spiropali acknowledged that while there are still some critical gaps, Albania’s justice reform remains unmatched in the region.
“When it comes to justice reform, there is no comparison,” she concluded.
