European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos spoke at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. She said Albania could join the Union in 2029 if Prime Minister Edi Rama keeps the reform process on course.

Kos explained that the EU opened two new negotiation clusters with Albania. According to her, if the technical aspects end by 2026, the Union could reach 28 members by 2028. She added that with Albania’s progress, the figure may rise to 29 by 2029.

She also underlined the role of public support. Referring to a recent EU survey, she stressed that 92 percent of Albanians back membership. In her view, this level of support strengthens Albania’s position in the accession process.

At the same time, Kos highlighted the need for committed leadership. She argued that integration succeeds only when leaders truly believe in the European project, place reforms above daily politics, and solve bilateral issues. She said leaders must also help citizens see that progress is real.

Furthermore, Kos insisted that there are no shortcuts for candidate countries. She emphasized that rule of law, human rights, anti-corruption, and media freedom remain non-negotiable. In addition, she warned about external forces, including Russia, that try to disrupt both the Union and its candidates. She mentioned Georgia and Moldova as examples where geopolitical pressure is evident.

Kos delivered her remarks in the panel “The Bled Promise: Dream or Reality?”. The session also featured Prime Minister Edi Rama, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic.

/a.p./