Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said that Albania could become a member of the European Union in 2029 if Prime Minister Edi Rama “continues his excellent work.”
Speaking at the Bled Forum in Slovenia, she emphasized that there are no shortcuts for any candidate states seeking EU membership, including Albania.
*“We have opened two more clusters with Albania and agreed with Edi that we will celebrate, first in Brussels, and next year with a football match between member states and candidate countries in Tirana — where, of course, the UEFA President will play with us, along with a few others.
In 2028, we might have 28 members. And if Edi continues to do what he is doing excellently, then in 2029 we could have 29 members. However, I don’t have much time, I only have four years, so hurry up,”* Kos said.
She stressed that candidate countries must fully implement reforms.
*“This process cannot succeed without leaders who believe that this institution is the best path forward. We need leaders who put reforms above daily politics, who know how to resolve bilateral issues, and who feel it is their duty to bring their citizens along. Membership is not only about what we do in Brussels; it also depends on public support.
Geopolitics has changed, and we face disruptive external forces — as I call them — who want us to fail. Now there are outside powers that want Europe to fail. We have important elections in Moldova. Russia is making strong efforts to fight against the current government,”* Kos added.
