After their meeting, Prime Minister Edi Rama and French President Emmanuel Macron took part in the exchange of agreements as follows:
Cooperation agreements in the field of energy, between the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Ceno Klosi, and the Executive Director of the French Development Agency, Remy Rioux.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Albania and the French Development Agency regarding the sustainable tourism project in the Korçë region, signed by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, and the Executive Director of the French Development Agency, Remy Rioux.
Afterwards, Prime Minister Rama and French President Macron held a joint press conference.
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Prime Minister Edi Rama: Welcome once again. It is, of course, a very special honor, but also an extraordinary feeling of good fortune, I would say, that within such a short period, the President of France is paying a return visit to Albania and undertaking another bilateral visit. This brings us great pride and deep gratitude for the strong impetus provided by the President of the French Republic in advancing relations with Albania, which has now entered a completely new and unprecedented phase.
On this occasion, we have effectively taken stock of the progress made since the President’s historic first visit—he was the first French Head of State to visit Albania. We have continued to sign additional agreements to deepen cooperation in the areas outlined in the framework agreement between our two governments.
It is a particular privilege that Albania had the honor of hosting the European Political Community, and undoubtedly, it is also a special privilege that, together with the President and a group of countries, we have pushed forward this project of the European Political Community to the point where there is now full consensus among all member states. A new substance is emerging in the relationships among European countries.
I am very pleased that, thanks to this cooperation, we have paved the way to bring French excellence to Albania. Yesterday, we gave the green light to École 42—an outstanding French institution in the field of innovation, which has already received over two thousand applications. I am convinced that, following the announcement of the President’s visit yesterday, there will be even more, as information about the opening of this innovative school has not yet been widely disseminated.
We have proceeded with the French Lycée project—an initiative originally proposed by the Francophone community of Korçë during the President’s previous visit. That request has now materialised into a concrete plan: the feasibility study has been completed, as has the initial preparatory phase. We are now moving into the stage of establishing the necessary conditions to launch the educational process at the Lycée, within the historic building that once housed the original French Lycée. In addition, a new extension will be constructed to meet all the modern requirements.
At the same time, we are fortunate to have the French Development Agency (AFD) actively engaged in Albania. It entered the country at the personal encouragement of the President, initially to assist in the post-earthquake reconstruction process. The Agency has already delivered outstanding work, particularly with the rehabilitation of the water supply system in Durrës. Its presence continues to be instrumental, supporting key projects in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
Looking ahead, we are eager to further deepen our cooperation in water management—a sector where France leads the way in both innovation and experience, with globally recognized companies operating across the world.
We also discussed the issue of waste management, and in this regard, we are working with France to develop a comprehensive plan—one that is not based solely on our existing strategy, but on concrete steps of implementation. This is particularly important in the context of our EU accession negotiations, where this topic represents a very significant chapter. There is much to be done, and if we succeed in securing this cooperation with French expertise by the end, it will represent added value and save us considerable time.
We also discussed with the President the possibility of France’s involvement in the construction of the Durrës–Pristina railway line, and we will continue direct communications to explore how such French participation could be concretely realized.
And finally, I am truly pleased—because although small in scale, this is something deeply meaningful in the symbolism of our relationship. When the President visited Albania last time, we were at the former residence of the dictator Enver Hoxha. At that time, the building had been vacated, and work had just begun to transform it into a cultural centre focused on artist residencies for both Albanian and international artists, thanks to our collaboration with the renowned Art Explora Foundation.
Today, it will be a great pleasure to accompany the President and witness this project in action. The curve of transformation—from a degraded structure of the past into a space that energises the Albania of tomorrow—serves as a reflection of our partnership.
This is the role and added strength that France brings to this collaboration, and we are profoundly grateful. Without question, today we feel France standing very close to us in our EU accession process. Moreover, the region as a whole has gained a steadfast and reliable supporter—one that is committed to all transformative processes, to addressing the remaining challenges, and to supporting the full integration of our region into a united Europe
Mr. President, I am truly and profoundly grateful—and we all share in this gratitude—for your personal commitment and for honoring us with your second visit in such a short period.
It fills us with pride and a deep sense of encouragement. At the same time, we must be mindful that such a visit from the President of France every eighteen months is not something to be taken for granted. That said, we will continue to give our very best so that, in the eyes of the French President, Albania is seen as a genuine added value to both the legacy and the future of France.
Thank you, once again.
French President Emmanuel Macron:
Mr. Prime Minister, dear Edi, ladies and gentlemen ministers, Madam Ambassador, Mr. Ambassador, ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you, Prime Minister, for your warm hospitality yesterday. As both yesterday and today, it is a great joy for me to be here once again—one and a half years after my visit in the autumn of 2023 and after your visit to Paris in 2024.
Our ministers have also met frequently on both sides regarding this agenda, with an unprecedented level of intensity. The autumn of 2024 marked 110 years without a presidential visit.
I want to begin by thanking you for your re-election, for the trust you received, which is important both for you and for all of us, because it is this mandate that will allow us to continue this ambitious agenda so long desired by the country. I also thank you for organizing the European Political Community summit, which was the first ever held in the Balkan region. Thank you for this, for your hospitality, and for the continued collaboration we will pursue together.
You mentioned that our bilateral relationship is structured around several ambitions; first of all, because in the autumn of 2024 we began and are now shaping it. In fact, at that time, we jointly committed to a policy of innovation and close cooperation.
I am very pleased to have witnessed the first graduating class of École 42, as well as the agreement on Albanian “Green AI” supported by France, which is one of the key pillars of this partnership and which, established in autumn 2023, has now become a reality. École 42 is now operational, the first cohorts have begun, and we will strive to transform things together with you.
In the same way, we have agreed on the French Lycée in Korçë. Everything that was planned has been completed—the preliminary study has been done. We will continue to accelerate its progress.
University cooperation, the partnership between the University of Tirana and the University of Technology of Compiègne, is becoming a reality and advancing steadily.
Later, in April 2024 when you visited, we also set priorities within the economic framework: water management, tourism, agriculture—areas involving many French partners who have been working alongside us for the past year and a half, and whose projects are now expanding.
You also recalled the cultural project we cherish, which we will visit shortly, as well as numerous other collaborations.
All of this is to say that the statements previously made before you have now become a reality. We have also made progress in the area of defense, which is very important. Our ministers signed a highly structured partnership agreement yesterday.
We will continue to advance in all fields with strong capacity. This includes cooperation on surveillance radars for airspace management and beyond. Moreover, we have continued—and will continue—to increase the presence of French actors in infrastructure, water management, and waste management.
Our involvement in highly strategic projects across the entire region is something I share with you as part of a very pragmatic and ambitious agenda. France will stand by your side, providing financial capacity and acting as an intermediary with major industrial operators.
You mentioned that more than 300 million euros have already been invested. These are urgent projects related to energy, sustainable tourism, and the Korçë region, which is the historical heartland of Francophonie in Albania. We established this commitment back in the autumn of 2023 with the same ambitions.
Beyond this bilateral relationship, we have aimed to go further and stronger. The place of Albania in the European Union is of great importance. I want to reaffirm here the full conviction I expressed during my previous visit about the reunification of the European continent to face common challenges.
Albania has shown the way, making significant progress recently, having closed many chapters in the negotiation process. I have confidence in what you will accomplish, and I am very pleased with the mandate you have won.
Albania’s path toward the EU is very clear. The ambitious reforms you are undertaking—and after these reforms and these negotiation chapters, which may seem very technical to your fellow citizens—this is a sensitive journey, an adventurous path. We spoke a little about this European journey last night.
France will stand by your side to support you through these reforms, to protect you, and to accompany you so that your merits are recognized by all and the agenda is maintained. You will keep your agenda, and we will keep ours, with the perspective of 2027—not merely as a goal, but as a reality.
At least since the beginning of your first mandate and the 2019 restructuring with the French strategy for the Western Balkans and the future of this region, Albania has been leading the way in an exemplary manner.
For this reason, I wanted to be present here, not only for the European Political Community summit but also to reaffirm the trust we have in the path toward Europe and France’s confidence in this European journey that will become a reality.
Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your warm hospitality and thank you very much for the friendship between our two countries.
Prime Minister Edi Rama: The friendship with France honors us, and it is truly a privilege to be a friend of France.
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Several people have died in Ukraine in a Russian drone attack. Is this Vladimir Putin’s response to your proposal, the European proposal, and the American proposal for a ceasefire? Or should additional sanctions now be imposed on Russia, and will you ask President Putin to take action in this regard?
French President Emmanuel Macron:
Are you referring to President Trump? First, let me begin by expressing our full support for the people of Ukraine and its leadership. As for the recent casualties, I want to emphasize that we have never been naive — and, unfortunately, these attacks have never stopped.
The ceasefire proposals — and let me remind you, this was an American initiative — have not been respected by President Putin and his military. The situation is quite clear: we have stood by Ukraine since day one, beginning in 2014 with sanctions, through the Minsk process, and the Normandy Format, during which we provided support. Since the large-scale invasion in 2022, we have continued to stand firmly with Ukraine.
The American people elected a president who came into office with the ambition of achieving peace. He said he would engage all sides to bring peace. It was an important declaration, and the United States must be respected. The American President first proposed a ceasefire in February. We responded by stating that a ceasefire alone would not be sufficient — what is needed is a strong and lasting peace.
We reiterated this during the first meeting in Paris in February, and in subsequent meetings, working very closely with Prime Minister Starinov. This ceasefire proposal is an American initiative. It was later endorsed by President Zelenskyy, despite Ukraine being the victim of aggression, during the Jeddah meeting in March 2025.
Since March, we have been waiting for Russia’s response. As you’ve just pointed out, the answer has been “no.” When we reengaged on this last Saturday in Kyiv — just one week ago — I was there with Prime Minister Starmer, Chancellor Mert, and Mr. Zelenskyy, and together, we reached out to President Trump to tell him that we are all united in supporting a ceasefire with security guarantees.
It is now necessary to increase pressure on Russia.
The commitment made by President Trump is a strong one, and then came President Putin’s proposal: “Let’s meet in Istanbul.” On Sunday, President Zelensky gave his consent. And what do we have today? Nothing.
I’m telling you, in the face of President Putin’s cynicism, we believe — and I am even certain — that President Trump, who cares deeply about America’s credibility, will respond. Because the proposal for a ceasefire, the proposal for talks — these are American initiatives. They are important. They cannot receive such a dismissive response.
We will continue to work together, but to ensure that Ukraine can resist and that peace can be established.
The European Union has expressed concern over the operation carried out by Kosovo police in the north of the country. On the other hand, President Vjosa Osmani, during yesterday’s Summit proceedings, stated that the European Union often acts in an unbalanced way and is penalizing the party that is enforcing constitutional order. How do you respond to these criticisms? Do you believe the European Union is losing credibility in the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue?
A second question related to your own remarks or reservations regarding the military alliance: How do you comment on the fact that military alliance members — including President Trump — are repeatedly calling for an increase in defense spending to 5% of GDP? Is it fair for countries like Albania, with limited budgets, to be expected to align with major powers?
On the same issue, Mr. Prime Minister, how will Albania respond to this request coming from Washington, and is it realistic for Albania to sustain a defense budget at 5% of GDP?
President Emmanuel Macron:
Regarding the first question, the roadmap is very clear, and we’ve spent a lot of time on the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. The EU is entirely within its rights to demand concrete progress on political matters, such as the municipal elections, which have not been satisfactory, particularly regarding security issues. This is well known — nothing new. I believe that demanding progress does not mean losing credibility. We must break the deadlock that is currently blocking the situation.
I hope that in the coming weeks, we can resume dialogue with both Pristina and Belgrade, as both countries are facing political and social challenges. Advancing in this process is important for the entire region.
I think these expectations are legitimate. We must not allow the emergence of a power-based dialogue — that’s not the right way forward. At the very least, we have a shared will to move things ahead, and I believe that for the security of our Europe and its unity, this path must be pursued. It is, however, legitimate to set clear expectations. It’s never a good idea to try to undermine the process or sow division.
We will continue to act with determination. We will re-engage and move forward alongside our European partners to ensure real progress in Kosovo.
Regarding NATO and the expectations, I believe that France today has the most efficient army in Europe. We have a complete military force in which we have reinvested since 2017, with two military programming laws that have doubled our defense budget. We have nuclear deterrence capability, strategic autonomy in these sectors, and unparalleled operational experience in missions in the Middle East, Africa, and so on.
Today, we are at 2.1% of GDP, and we continue to increase this budget for the coming year.
I have never considered the percentage of GDP as an end in itself — we need to analyze the challenges we face, and alongside that, ensure strong commitment and a good level of engagement.
After that, we all need to increase our expenditures to strengthen this major pillar of NATO.
We are pleased to have the support of the United States—a third of the Alliance relies on it—but let’s be clear: our American allies are increasingly looking elsewhere and are asking us to take on more and more responsibility for our own defense. That is legitimate.
But this should not be measured solely in percentages of GDP, and it must not translate into buying American military equipment, because that would only have one consequence: increasing our dependency on the American defense industry.
So, we Europeans need to invest more: in training, in recruiting, in equipping ourselves, and also in building a European industrial and technological base that strengthens our autonomy.
Let me be very clear: the goal of reaching 3.5% of GDP is a good horizon for the coming years, but it will not happen in six months. It must be done with substance and consistency.
Finally, let me remind you of two things:
GDP depends on each country’s economy, so it’s not an absolute number.
The engagement of an army is not measured in percentages, but in the names engraved on the monuments of the fallen.
I don’t like this debate among allies when it’s reduced to numbers. I know many countries in Europe that have lost many soldiers in operations and that have committed troops to missions. They deserve respect—and that means more than just money.
Prime Minister Edi Rama: What I want to say is, first, we have progressed according to our commitment by increasing the budget and reaching the 2% target, which has been the common objective of the Alliance. At first, this seemed impossible given, as you mentioned, that we don’t have a large budget and, on the other hand, face many needs to fulfill. Nonetheless, we have fulfilled our obligation under the Alliance’s joint agreement.
Secondly, this is a special moment that has brought to the table the need to invest more. At the same time, we want to seize this opportunity to revive our military industry. We have already started doing this by leveraging increased defense budgets as an investment to create well-paid new jobs, enhance the necessary capacities, and improve the qualification of our workforce, and so forth.
One thing I believe is very clear is that now, with this general spirit of increasing budgets, companies are coming to us from all four corners of Europe saying, “We have this to sell,” “We have that to sell,” “Buy vehicles from us,” “Buy bicycles from us.” This shows that the issue is not just how much money we allocate, but how efficiently we use that money, and how the funds we use complement the overall landscape of all European countries. France is a unique case, having an army from A to Z that can do everything by itself. But Albania cannot have such an army, and like Albania, many other countries cannot have an army that possesses everything, including nuclear weapons.
So, we need to be complementary within the overall context. For that reason, a well-thought-out, coordinated plan with much clearer procedures for everyone is necessary, along with a guarantee of efficiency in the use of the funds allocated. Because if this becomes just a story about the budget, just marking down that the money was spent, we will end up with warehouses full of various equipment that we will never even use. A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with the CEO of one of the largest military production companies in the world, and he told me that he had visited a country—I won’t name it, but it’s in Europe—that bought endless amounts of weapons which still remain unopened and unused. On paper, this may look like sufficient military spending, but in reality, it is not strengthening defense.
I fully agree with what the president said: we must be realistic about this whole matter and understand how to increase capabilities, not just the budget. How will we, after a certain number of years, have a more efficient, ready, and complete European defense system, rather than just having military spending blocks to buy equipment all over the place? On the other hand, we must not forget that Europe cannot become a place where only weapons are talked about and only war is thought of. There are many other things we need to keep in mind because, at the end of the day, when it comes to Europe, I believe there are two territories to defend: the physical territory and the spiritual territory. If Europe loses its spiritual territory, the value of Europe’s spiritual territory, in my opinion, will significantly decline.
Thank you!
