In a New Chapter in EU Enlargement Antonio Costa Reinforces Commitment to Western Balkans Amid Albanian Momentum

TIRANA — In a clear signal of the European Union’s renewed resolve on enlargement, European Council President António Costa concluded a strategic tour of the Western Balkans with a high-profile visit to Albania on May 15, 2025. Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama following recent parliamentary elections that saw Rama secure yet another decisive victory, Costa declared that “Albania is on track to join the European Union” and affirmed that the EU’s expansion into the region represents “the most important geopolitical investment we are doing.”

The timing of Costa’s remarks is significant. After years of stalled progress and skepticism surrounding the credibility of EU enlargement, particularly during the turmoil of Brexit and the migration crisis, the bloc appears to be recalibrating its focus toward the Western Balkans — not only as a moral imperative but as a strategic necessity.

A Geopolitical Imperative

Costa’s statement that the enlargement process is the EU’s “most important geopolitical investment” marks a shift from previous cautious tones, especially compared to the lukewarm approach taken by some member states in recent years. The context for this urgency is multifaceted: Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has reinvigorated Eastern Europe’s desire for closer EU integration, while China’s growing influence in Southeastern Europe through infrastructure investments and trade agreements has raised concerns within Brussels.

In this light, Albania — along with Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo — represents both a frontier of democracy and a buffer against external interference. By anchoring these nations more firmly within the EU’s orbit, the bloc aims to stabilize a historically volatile region and ensure long-term security and prosperity.

Albania’s Moment?

Prime Minister Edi Rama’s landslide electoral victory this week was hailed by Costa as further evidence of Albania’s popular commitment to EU integration. “The result of the elections this week re-confirms the desire of Albanians for European Union integration,” Costa said, extending his congratulations to Rama.

This sentiment resonates with many Albanian citizens who have long viewed EU membership as a pathway to economic development, institutional reform, and regional stability. However, some critics argue that Rama’s continued dominance — now entering its fourth term — raises concerns about democratic backsliding, including issues related to media freedom and political polarization.

Still, Costa emphasized that the accession process is no longer a matter of “if” or “how,” but rather “when.” This framing reflects a broader consensus emerging within the EU leadership that the time is ripe for accelerated negotiations — provided key reforms are implemented.

Reform Remains the Linchpin

Despite the optimism, Costa did not shy away from issuing a challenge to Albania’s government: “You know exactly what needs to be done; I can only encourage you to keep your eyes on the objective and deliver on these last milestones.”

Chief among those priorities remain the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fight against corruption — areas where Albania has made progress but still faces criticism from watchdog groups and the European Commission alike. The country opened formal accession negotiations in March 2024, becoming the first Western Balkan nation to do so under the revised enlargement methodology introduced in 2020.

To bolster cooperation, the EU and Albania launched their first-ever Security and Defence Dialogue earlier this year, underscoring a shared interest in addressing hybrid threats, cyber insecurity, and regional defense coordination. As Costa noted, “We stand together on the global stage,” signaling that Albania’s future role in European security architecture will be central to its integration process.

Tirana Steps onto the European Stage

Another highlight of Costa’s visit was the upcoming European Political Community (EPC) summit, set to take place in Tirana on May 16 — the first such meeting ever hosted in the Western Balkans. Welcoming over 40 European leaders, the EPC gathering will provide Albania with an unprecedented platform to showcase its readiness for deeper European integration.

Costa praised the organization of the event, calling it “impressive,” and used the occasion to commend former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini for spearheading the establishment of a new campus of the College of Europe in Tirana. Named after EU icon Jacques Delors, the inaugural class — the “Jacques Delors Promotion” — symbolizes more than academic collaboration; it represents the EU’s investment in cultivating a new generation of European-minded leaders in the region.

“Europe is not only about prosperity, it is not only about values. Europe needs faith for the future, for our common future together,” Costa reflected, emphasizing the emotional and ideological dimensions of enlargement.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making

Costa’s reference to 1992 — when the Maastricht Treaty formally established the European Union — was a deliberate nod to the transformative potential of the moment. Just as the early 1990s marked a turning point for European unity post-Cold War, the current juncture may well define the next era of European integration.

With Albania poised to become the first Western Balkan country to join the EU in the coming decade, the path forward remains challenging but increasingly plausible. If successful, it could catalyze momentum across the region, offering hope to millions in neighboring countries still waiting for their own invitations to join the European family.

As Costa put it, echoing both history and aspiration: “It is the moment, like it was in ’92, to make another big step.” And in this race toward Europe, Albania, for now, seems to be leading the pack.

During his visit to the Western Balkans, European Council President António Costa met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana. At the joint press conference, he reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to Albania’s accession, praised the country’s reform progress, and commended its role in hosting the upcoming European Political Community summit. He also welcomed the opening of a College of Europe campus in Tirana, highlighting Albania’s deepening ties with the EU.

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