Albania Urges EU to Bring Candidates Into Talks
Prime Minister Edi Rama proposed that countries negotiating EU membership take part in the bloc's political discussions.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in International Relations
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama urged the European Union to bring accession candidate countries into its political discussions while keeping existing accession criteria. Speaking at the Paris Peace Forum on November 10, 2026, Rama said Ukraine deserves credit for its contribution to European security.
Why it matters
Rama said seven countries are currently negotiating EU membership and that membership talks are essential for strengthening institutions and state-building in countries like Albania. He said the proposal aims to change a process he described as endless procedures and vetoes, though he was uncertain whether it would be adopted.
The figures are Rama's own characterizations delivered at the Paris Peace Forum, with seven countries currently in membership negotiations and four named as leading enlargement candidates. The EU's response to the proposal has not been reported.
The players
Edi Rama
Edi Rama is the Prime Minister of Albania, a Balkan country pursuing EU membership, and has been a prominent advocate for the bloc's enlargement.
The details
Rama proposed that countries negotiating membership take part directly in EU political discussions while continuing to meet obligations through the merit-based accession process. He said each candidate should keep meeting those obligations and framed the proposal as a way to move beyond what he described as lengthy processes and vetoes.
Timeline
November 10, 2026: Rama speaks at the Paris Peace Forum.
Political Context
Rama's proposal keeps the existing accession criteria in place and adds a role for candidate countries in EU political discussions before they join. It responds to the slow pace of enlargement, which he described as a process of endless procedures and vetoes.
For EU citizens and residents, the proposal would not change current membership rules, but it could shape how the bloc interacts with countries seeking to join. Any change would depend on whether EU members agree to adopt Rama's approach.
The takeaway
Rama's proposal suggests that countries waiting to join the EU may gain a voice in its decisions before membership, though its adoption remains uncertain. Readers following enlargement can track how EU members respond to such proposals.
Further reading
For broader background on how countries join the bloc, see International Relations.
