Albanian Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama declared on Monday that Albania’s European Union membership remains the key strategic objective of his government’s fourth mandate.
Speaking at an event in Lezhë to present Socialist Party candidates for the May 11 elections, Rama highlighted the importance of understanding why Albania should join the EU.
“It’s crucial to be well-informed when we talk about the European Union and the reasons Albania needs to become a member,” Rama said, addressing young attendees. He praised the city’s literary tradition, noting that Lezhë has long been known for its deep connection to literature and books.
Turning to EU accession, Rama criticized those who downplay its significance.
“There are many people — some knowingly, others out of ignorance — who try to diminish this ambition and our strategic goal of EU membership by saying things like, ‘We’re already Europeans; we don’t need an EU passport because we can travel wherever we want.’ But the issue isn’t about moving freely — it’s about having the right to stay,” Rama said.
He pointed out that Albanian passport holders face restrictions when traveling to EU countries.
“Anyone who has traveled to the EU knows that at border control, there are two lines: one for EU citizens, who pass without checks, and another for Albanians, who must queue, have their passports inspected, and explain when they’ll leave,” he added.
Rama argued that EU membership would remove these barriers.
“An EU passport means no one questions your right to stay, whether you’re in Albania, France, Ireland, or Poland. It’s the same as traveling between Lezhë, Korçë, Elbasan, or Tropojë,” he said.
He also highlighted the economic opportunities EU membership would bring, noting that Albanians seeking work abroad currently face limited options.
“Today, if someone wants to stay in the EU, they either have to apply for asylum under false pretenses, work illegally, or — in the worst cases — fall prey to organized crime networks,” Rama warned.
