Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama urged Europe to develop its own peace strategy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, warning that the continent remains overly dependent on Washington’s leadership.
Speaking at the Future Resilience Forum 2025, Rama said Europe had long followed U.S. foreign policy “on autopilot,” but the current geopolitical landscape requires greater autonomy.
“What was once unacceptable — even mentioning a ceasefire — was ridiculed when Viktor Orbán suggested it,” Rama said. “Suddenly it became acceptable when Donald Trump mentioned it, and European leaders embraced it. But perhaps too late.”
He said Europe’s failure to craft a coherent peace plan leaves it vulnerable. “Supporting Ukraine and its territorial integrity is absolutely legitimate,” Rama added. “But as we rearm and send weapons, it is strange that we have no clear strategy for peace. Total victory cannot be the only option.”
Rama said Europe must “find its own consolidated, autonomous stance on major strategic issues” rather than relying entirely on the United States.
Later, at a Chatham House panel in London titled The Western Balkans and the European Union, Rama said the region’s ties with the EU were at a “positive moment.”
“We face many challenges, but Europe is treating us well right now,” he said. “It’s hard to be critical when things are finally moving in the right direction. I believe we are progressing better than Europe itself.”
Rama reaffirmed his long-held belief in EU integration, noting that over 90% of Albanians support membership. “I believed in it even when it looked ridiculous to do so,” he said. “For us, it represents the same values it did for Europe’s founders — freedom to choose our place and our future.”
He said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had awakened Europe to the Western Balkans’ strategic value. “After the aggression in Ukraine, Europe woke up loudly,” he said. “Now it truly sees the Balkans’ importance. We met the criteria before, but we were turned away. This time, Europe stands behind this goal, and we hope to realize our dream.”
Rama is visiting London for talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other senior officials. On Tuesday, he will join the Berlin Process Summit, hosted by the United Kingdom, which will bring together leaders from six Western Balkan countries and EU partners to discuss regional stability and integration.