Ursula von der Leyen opened her Western Balkans tour in Tirana, praising Albania’s progress toward EU membership while insisting that reforms be implemented. Judicial, electoral and environmental work remains on the agenda. Anti-government protesters gathered outside during the visit. The Commission is preparing concrete roadmaps for advanced candidates, but the meetings announced no membership date or final admission decision.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama and President Bajram Begaj in Tirana on September 30. The Albanian capital was the first stop on her Western Balkans tour. She praised the country’s progress toward European Union membership and pointed to the first negotiating chapters closed in July. She also highlighted Albania’s alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy.[1], [2]
Von der Leyen said adopting reforms was insufficient without putting them fully into practice. She named the judiciary, electoral framework and environmental protection as areas needing more work, and called for commitment across political divisions. Anti-government demonstrators gathered near the prime minister’s office during the visit. Police set up cordons, and clashes were reported as protesters challenged the accession process under Rama’s government.[1]
The Commission is preparing roadmaps for candidates further along in accession talks. These are intended to set priority reforms, indicative deadlines and negotiating objectives. Von der Leyen also announced pre-enlargement policy reviews for October 6. EU leaders are scheduled to discuss enlargement and internal reforms on October 15–16. Her tour continues to Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. The Tirana meetings announced neither a membership date nor a final decision admitting Albania.[1], [2]
