Edi Rama said Albania’s negotiations for membership in the European Union could continue until mid-2028, despite 2027 being set as the shared target for concluding the process.

Speaking during the opening event of Europe Week marking May 9 celebrations in Tirana, Rama described 2030 as the broader strategic objective for Albania’s path toward full EU integration.

“Regarding 2027, it is a jointly established objective, but room has also been left for the possibility that, for one reason or another, the negotiations could be extended until the middle of 2028,” Rama said.

The Albanian prime minister added that both Albanian authorities and EU institutions remain “largely on the same wavelength” regarding the timeline of the accession process.

Rama emphasized that even after negotiations are completed, Albania’s membership bid would still require ratification and approval procedures by EU member states, a process that could take additional time.

The remarks were delivered during activities organized as part of Europe Day celebrations on May 9, highlighting Albania’s ongoing efforts toward European integration.