French President Emmanuel Macron expressed strong support on Saturday for Albania’s accession to the European Union, pledging that France would stand by the Western Balkan country as it undertakes necessary reforms to join the 27-nation bloc.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Tirana with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Macron said that closing the EU accession negotiations by 2027 is a realistic and attainable goal for Albania.
“2027 is not just a perspective — it is a real objective,” Macron told reporters. “France will stand by Albania to accompany its reforms and to ensure that its progress is recognised. We will defend Albania’s merits and help keep the enlargement agenda alive.”
Macron’s visit marks his second to Albania in less than a year, underscoring what both sides described as a deepening of bilateral ties. His trip coincided with the sixth summit of the European Political Community (EPC), held for the first time in a Western Balkan country.
The French leader praised Albania’s progress in opening negotiation chapters with the EU and lauded the government’s “ambitious reforms,” noting that the accession process, though technical in nature, is of vital importance for the country’s future.
“I have full confidence in what your government is doing,” Macron said, addressing Rama. “You have a very clear mandate, and I’m pleased to see the clarity with which the Albanian people have renewed their trust.”
Macron also congratulated Rama on his coalition’s victory in the May 11 elections, describing the outcome as a strong signal of political stability in the country.
Stronger Bilateral Cooperation
Rama said relations between France and Albania had entered “a new phase” and described Macron’s visit as “an expression of support at the highest level.”
“We feel France closer than ever before, not only politically, but also in our path towards EU membership,” the Albanian premier said. “Our region has gained a strong and consistent supporter in navigating the remaining challenges and completing the European integration process.”
Rama highlighted Macron’s earlier historic visit in 2023, the first ever by a French head of state to Albania, and said that the momentum created since then had led to the signing of multiple cooperation agreements.
“Today we reviewed the progress made since your historic visit, and signed new agreements that deepen our partnership in key sectors,” Rama said.
Among the newly signed agreements was a memorandum of understanding between Albania’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the French Development Agency (AFD), aimed at launching a comprehensive sustainable tourism project in the southeastern Korça region. A separate agreement was signed in the field of energy cooperation.
On Thursday, France and Albania also signed a cooperation declaration on a bilateral Innovation Action Plan, further strengthening ties in research and technology.
France Backs Full Integration of Western Balkans
Macron reiterated France’s commitment to the full integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union, calling Albania “a leader in the region’s European path.”
“Faced with shared challenges, Albania has shown the way,” Macron said. “It has made major progress in recent years. The road to the EU is now very clear.”
The French president said the European Political Community, launched in 2022, was evolving into a more substantive platform for political coordination. He welcomed the consensus reached among EPC members to continue advancing this format and strengthen cooperation on issues such as energy security, infrastructure, and defence.
“The project of European reunification is becoming a reality,” Macron said. “And Albania has an essential role in this endeavour.”
Rama echoed the sentiment, saying the EPC summit held in Tirana was a recognition of Albania’s growing diplomatic role and regional stability.
“Hosting the EPC in Tirana is a privilege and a signal that our country is seen as a reliable partner,” Rama said. “It also highlights the fact that Albania is no longer at the periphery but at the core of important European conversations.”
Symbolic Presence and Strategic Vision
Macron emphasised that his presence in Tirana was not merely ceremonial, but a signal of France’s strategic engagement in the Western Balkans.
“I am here not only for the EPC but also to reaffirm France’s trust in Albania’s European journey,” he said. “We are committed to seeing this path become a reality.”
Macron’s visit comes amid growing pressure on the EU to speed up enlargement and respond to geopolitical tensions in the region, especially in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine and rising global instability.
While enlargement remains a complex process — requiring deep reforms within candidate countries and consensus among EU member states — Macron said Albania had shown it is “on the right track.”