At a two-day conference organized by the Socialist and Democrat group of the European Parliament in Brussels, Taulant Balla, Albania’s Minister of State for Relations with Parliament, emphasized that Kosovo deserves to start negotiations for EU membership as soon as possible.
Speaking at the event focused on the Willy Brandt Program for EU Enlargement, Balla expressed optimism that Albania will become a full EU member by 2030.
“Our path toward the EU is more than a political ambition; it is a national mission and a historical necessity. We have no Plan B. After the May 11 elections, our goal is to complete technical negotiations by Christmas 2027 and to join the EU fully by 2030,” said Balla in his opening remarks.
Balla highlighted Albania’s progress, noting it had surpassed Montenegro, Serbia, and North Macedonia, despite starting negotiations later in 2014.
Turning to Kosovo, Balla made a clear appeal:
“We would very much like every country to start negotiations. Kosovo deserves to start negotiations as soon as possible — as soon as you can. We also strongly support North Macedonia’s negotiations,” Balla stated, according to ATSH.
During the session, Balla also responded to a question from Tonino Picula, Croatian MEP and European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia, regarding Albania’s relationship with the United States following Donald Trump’s re-election.
“In Albania, over 90% of citizens support EU membership. We are probably the most pro-European and pro-American country in Europe,” Balla said. “Trump’s presidency could be an opportunity for Europe to rethink and strengthen its cooperation.”
Quoting Albert Einstein, Balla added: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. Let’s view this as an opportunity for Europe.”
At the panel “Practical Support for EU Accession Preparations,” Balla underlined Albania’s commitment to strengthening democracy, invoking Willy Brandt’s legacy of reconciling East and West. He also expressed pride in Albania’s progress, including the opening of two negotiation clusters.
