Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Rama

It is always a pleasure to see you and to be in Tirana. My experience is that Albanians carry Europe in their hearts. It's wonderful to be back. And you have been working hard to turn Albania's European dream into reality. So my first message is simple: the goal is in sight. Albania is among the frontrunners in our accession process. Since I was last here, Albania has made remarkable progress. You opened the final cluster of negotiating chapters. And in July, you closed your first three chapters. Including external relations. This is important progress. It means Albania is fully aligned with our common foreign and security policy. We see the world with the same eyes, and this is very important for the accession process. We stand together when our values and interests are challenged. I also want to convey not only to the Albanian people but also to the European Union citizens that Albania's membership will not only make Albania stronger. It will make our Union stronger too.

Nevertheless, now is the time to keep the focus. Because there is still work ahead. This leads to my second message. More reforms are needed across all open chapters. On justice. On the electoral framework. And the protection of your environment – Albania's breathtaking nature. Adopting reforms is important. And it is equally important to implement them thoroughly. To make sure they deliver real change, for the people of Albania. This requires genuine engagement across political lines. And a strong, continued dialogue with society, to address its concerns.