Ursula von der Leyen praises progress toward the EU: Albania among the leading countries in integration

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Albania’s progress toward the European Union during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama. She said the country ranks among the leaders in the integration process and has made significant progress over the past year.

Von der Leyen said she was pleased to return to Tirana and that, based on her experience, Albanians hold Europe in their hearts. She recalled that she comes every year to follow the country’s progress and described the work Albania has done in one year as fantastic.

According to her, this progress is particularly important because it shows that Albania and the EU view the world in the same way. The European Commission president stressed that membership would strengthen not only Albania but also the EU—a message she wants to convey to Albanian and European citizens.

She called for continued focus on the integration process, as there is still work to be done.