For the first time in their bilateral history, Albania and Italy will hold an Intergovernmental Summit, a milestone decision reached in Tirana during a meeting between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, within the framework of the European Political Community Summit.
According to a joint statement published on the official website of the Italian government, the summit will serve as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the partnership between Rome and Tirana.
Key Points from the Joint Declaration:
The two leaders reaffirmed their strong mutual interest in deepening bilateral relations and supporting Albania’s EU accession path. In light of their privileged relationship — established by the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (1995), the Strategic Partnership Declaration (2010), and the Migration Cooperation Protocol (2023) — they agreed to convene the first Italy–Albania Intergovernmental Summit within 2025.
The summit will provide a platform to assess bilateral cooperation and agree on new initiatives in key sectors such as:
- Defense and Security: Strengthening cooperation in supply of equipment and technology, development of maritime infrastructure, and technical training programs.
- Energy: Expanding the partnership under the Italy–EBA–Albania agreement signed in Abu Dhabi in January 2025 for renewable energy production and an undersea energy connection.
- Migration: Establishing a joint working group to enhance efforts against illegal migration and boost Albania’s maritime patrol capacities.
- Civil Protection: Reaching an agreement to help create a national Civil Protection System in Albania, ensuring knowledge and expertise transfer.
- Healthcare: Enhancing maternal and neonatal health services, including the construction of a neonatology unit at the public hospital “Gliozheni” in Tirana.
Economic and Infrastructure Cooperation:
- A Framework Agreement will formalize the presence of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti in Albania, supporting bilateral economic and infrastructure development.
- A joint project to build an “ExpoAlbania” fair center in Tirana.
- Legal and technical tools will be created to strengthen maritime economy cooperation and the development of Albania’s fishing industry.
- Deeper collaboration between Simest and Albania’s National Economic Council to support SMEs in both countries, promoting cross-investment and market access.
EU Accession Support:
Italy and Albania will jointly define high-value priority areas to support Albania’s EU integration through pre-accession technical assistance.
In conclusion, Prime Ministers Meloni and Rama highlighted their shared joy at the recent launch of the 108th edition of Giro d’Italia in Durrës on May 9 — a symbolic act underscoring the deep and growing connection between the two countries, including through sports diplomacy as a tool of cooperation and mutual growth.
