“While the world is changing, the unity of Albania towards the EU remains an important guarantee for peace, freedom, and security,” said Commissioner Marta Kos, reflecting on her first official mission to Albania. Over three days, from 12 to 14 March, the Commissioner for Enlargement engaged with Albanian authorities, students, civil society, and various stakeholders to discuss the progress on the country’s EU accession process—particularly focusing on key reforms and justice fundamentals.
In this visit, Ms. Kos highlighted the European Union’s commitment to supporting Albania on its path to full EU membership. In her meetings with Prime Minister Edi Rama, EU Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka, and Assembly Speaker Elisa Spiropali, Commissioner Kos highlighted the importance of consolidating achievements in the rule of law and justice sector reforms. She emphasized that Albania’s strides in the accession negotiations must continue to produce tangible results, reflecting the merit-based nature of the enlargement process.
“For Albania, this is a window of opportunity. The EU is on your side to fully support your accession – let’s make it happen together,” the Commissioner said expressing gratitude to the EU Delegation in Albania for their tireless work.
Discussions with independent justice institutions – such as SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Structure) were an important part of the Commissioner’s itinerary. In these meetings she took the chance to commend their efforts to tackle corruption and organized crime as Albania’s most secure pathway to EU. She also took a moment to reiterate EU’s firm support to Albania in this process while highlighting that a strong and independent judiciary is at the heart of Albania’s European Integration.
Through support to both public and independent institutions in Albania the European Union has strengthened the belief that the most sustainable way to a better future is to invest in the strengthening of democratic culture among youth. Commissioner Kos’ engagements with students while in Albania stand as a testament to this important value. During her visit to Albania, Commissioner Kos addressed audiences at the College of Europe campus and the University of Tirana, urging them to continue building on Albania’s enthusiasm for EU membership.
“When I was your age, we dreamt of the unification of our continent. Today, this dream is closer to reality—also because of countries like Albania, committed to the accession process.”
High level meetings were only one part of Commissioner’s visit to Albania. During her time there, she also made sure to acknowledge the work of civil society institutions and initiatives standing at the forefront of the promotion of European values in Albania.
In Elbasan, she met with Albanian and Serbian students participating in RYCO’s Superschools scheme, which is an exchange between schools in Western Balkan. Values such as reconciliation and intercultural learning stand at the core of initiatives like this one, funded by the European Union and the German Government, implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). Kos used this visit to reaffirm the EU’s support for regional cooperation programs while reiterating that youth dialogue, “breaks barriers, builds friendships, and shapes the region’s future”.
At a local carpet workshop, she spoke with women who have survived domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives through EU-backed programs. While closely looking at how new skill and financial independence are changing lives, she made sure to emphasize that the EU will continue to support women, “We stand by these brave women for safer, more inclusive communities”, she said.
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Throughout her visit to Albania, Kos underlined the Albanian Parliament’s crucial role in advancing the accession process – particularly when it comes to adopting key reforms that demand cross-party dialogue. Emphasizing inclusiveness, she encouraged continued cooperation among all parliamentary groups to keep Albania’s EU momentum strong.
Through a joint press conference on 13 March, both Commissioner Kos and Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to upholding democratic values and delivering lasting reforms.
During her visit to Albania, Commissioner Kos’s made sure to highlight the achievements but also point out areas that require further attention while offering clear assurance of the EU’s backing on Albania’s journey towards European integration.
“Albania,” Kos reflected, “has demonstrated both aspiration and capability for deeper integration. With perseverance in reforms and broad social engagement—from youth to civil society—we can bring this process to fruition and ensure a stronger, more united Europe for generations to come.”
Discussions with independent justice institutions – such as SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Structure) were an important part of the Commissioner’s itinerary. In these meetings she took the chance to commend their efforts to tackle corruption and organized crime as Albania’s most secure pathway to EU. She also took a moment to reiterate EU’s firm support to Albania in this process while highlighting that a strong and independent judiciary is at the heart of Albania’s European Integration.
Through support to both public and independent institutions in Albania the European Union has strengthened the belief that the most sustainable way to a better future is to invest in the strengthening of democratic culture among youth. Commissioner Kos’ engagements with students while in Albania stand as a testament to this important value. During her visit to Albania, Commissioner Kos addressed audiences at the College of Europe campus and the University of Tirana, urging them to continue building on Albania’s enthusiasm for EU membership.
“When I was your age, we dreamt of the unification of our continent. Today, this dream is closer to reality—also because of countries like Albania, committed to the accession process.”
High level meetings were only one part of Commissioner’s visit to Albania. During her time there, she also made sure to acknowledge the work of civil society institutions and initiatives standing at the forefront of the promotion of European values in Albania.
In Elbasan, she met with Albanian and Serbian students participating in RYCO’s Superschools scheme, which is an exchange between schools in Western Balkan. Values such as reconciliation and intercultural learning stand at the core of initiatives like this one, funded by the European Union and the German Government, implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). Kos used this visit to reaffirm the EU’s support for regional cooperation programs while reiterating that youth dialogue, “breaks barriers, builds friendships, and shapes the region’s future”.
At a local carpet workshop, she spoke with women who have survived domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives through EU-backed programs. While closely looking at how new skill and financial independence are changing lives, she made sure to emphasize that the EU will continue to support women, “We stand by these brave women for safer, more inclusive communities”, she said.
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Throughout her visit to Albania, Kos underlined the Albanian Parliament’s crucial role in advancing the accession process – particularly when it comes to adopting key reforms that demand cross-party dialogue. Emphasizing inclusiveness, she encouraged continued cooperation among all parliamentary groups to keep Albania’s EU momentum strong.
Through a joint press conference on 13 March, both Commissioner Kos and Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to upholding democratic values and delivering lasting reforms.
During her visit to Albania, Commissioner Kos’s made sure to highlight the achievements but also point out areas that require further attention while offering clear assurance of the EU’s backing on Albania’s journey towards European integration.
“Albania,” Kos reflected, “has demonstrated both aspiration and capability for deeper integration. With perseverance in reforms and broad social engagement—from youth to civil society—we can bring this process to fruition and ensure a stronger, more united Europe for generations to come.”
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