Albania could complete its European Union accession negotiations by the end of next year, provided the process continues as planned.

Prime Minister Edi Rama made this statement during a discussion titled “Europe’s Shared Future: Enlargement and the Next Generation” at the Paris Peace Forum. The event focused on EU enlargement and the future of younger generations.

Asked about the possible timeline for EU membership, Rama urged young Albanians to remain realistic about the process.

“No one can make promises about Europe because nothing is certain,” he said.

However, he pointed to the European Commission’s latest Progress Report. According to Rama, the Commission expects Albania to start working on its accession treaty next year. This would mean that the country has reached the final stage of negotiations.

“If everything goes well, we will complete the negotiations by the end of next year. Then, we will be ready to take the final step,” Rama said.

At the same time, he stressed that the outcome will also depend on political developments within the European Union.

Rama specifically mentioned France and its upcoming elections. He said the political direction France takes over the next two or three years could influence the enlargement process.

“You have elections next year. Nobody knows what kind of France will emerge from them,” he said.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister insisted that Albania must focus on its own responsibilities and complete the reforms required for EU membership.

“We know that we must do our job and finish the work we have already started,” Rama concluded.

/a.c/