Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to complete its European Union accession negotiations by the end of 2027, describing the target as ambitious but achievable.

Speaking in Dublin, Ireland, at an event hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), Rama addressed an audience of European and Balkan experts and diplomats. He described this as a defining moment for Albania’s European future, saying the country now has a genuine opportunity to join the European family.

“We are at a highly decisive moment in our history. We can now see not only the horizon, which has always been there, but also an open door offering a real opportunity to move forward and become part of this European family. This is a moment of great significance, when things that once seemed impossible now appear achievable. I hope we seize this opportunity and finally cross the threshold that has kept us apart from Europe for so long,” Rama said.

He stressed that Albania must do everything possible to meet the European side’s expectations and successfully conclude all accession negotiation chapters. However, he acknowledged that the EU faces a complex decision-making process involving all 27 member states. Some countries, including France, require a two-thirds parliamentary majority or a referendum to ratify accession treaties for new members.

“Most importantly, we must successfully close the chapters and complete the negotiations. For now, we are on the right track, everything is proceeding according to the rules, and we share this assessment with the European Commission,” Rama said.

Asked whether the government aims to conclude the negotiations in 2027, the prime minister confirmed that Albania had agreed on this timeline with the European Commission.

“I would not have set this target if the timeline had not been agreed with the Commission. The Commission also considers the end of 2027 ambitious but achievable. Therefore, we will make every effort to meet this target,” Rama said.