In the Albanian public discourse, it is often heard that the country is “running” toward European Union membership. This expression reflects a general political climate where European integration is presented as a near and almost inevitable destination. Indeed, the diplomatic dynamics this year have been visible: frequent meetings with Brussels representatives, optimistic statements from domestic leaders, and a continuous commitment to keeping integration at the top of the political agenda. This constructed image creates the perception that Albania is closer than ever to its strategic objective.
However, this is not unique to Albania. Other countries in the region, such as North Macedonia and Montenegro, have gone through the same phase, where political rhetoric accelerated while the reality of reforms moved more slowly. North Macedonia, for example, waited years to open negotiations due to the name dispute and political blockages, even though domestic discourse fostered the idea that the country was ready for integration. Montenegro was also considered a “regional champion” in negotiations, yet it still lacks a clear timeline for membership due to delays in the rule of law and corruption. An interesting parallel can also be drawn with Central and Eastern European countries that joined in 2004.
Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia also experienced a period of strong integrative rhetoric, with domestic campaigns mobilizing public opinion around the “speed” of approaching Brussels. But the reality showed that only those who coupled rhetoric with deep and measurable reforms met the required standards, while countries such as Romania and Bulgaria entered with additional monitoring mechanisms due to gaps in the rule of law and corruption.
In this sense, Albania’s political “run” is not unique. It follows a typical model of countries aspiring to the EU, where diplomacy and strong statements serve to maintain momentum, but face a slower reality when it comes to demanding standards and sustainable reform.
When we compare the “political run” with the actual fulfillment of EU standards, the picture becomes much more complex. Judicial reform has made noticeable progress, particularly in the vetting process, which has removed from the system a number of judges and prosecutors suspected of corruption (Freedom House). However, the process still experiences delays, and political influence over the judiciary has not been fully eliminated, leaving open the question of whether the rule of law is genuinely consolidated.
In the fight against corruption, SPAK has undertaken several high-profile actions against former senior officials, seen as a sign of commitment to tackling impunity (AP News). Yet, these cases, though symbolic, have not changed the fact that corruption remains widespread in daily life. According to the SELDI report, Albania has one of the highest rates of corruption in the Western Balkans, with a significant share of citizens reporting bribery as a common practice in interactions with public administration (VoxNews). This contrast between high-level prosecutions and everyday corruption shows a reality where reforms have yet to reach fundamental structures.
Even in the field of freedoms and fundamental rights, the situation appears dual. Albania has improved the legal framework, but in practice, the media often operates under political and financial pressure, while owners’ connections to power put editorial independence into question (RC Media Freedom). Political financing transparency remains another weak point, as reliable oversight mechanisms are missing, and the allocation of state funds is often perceived as a tool to exert influence over the media (Alice in Albania). The Freedom House report notes that Albania, despite reforms, still faces limitations in civil liberties and political pluralism (Freedom House).
Economically, the picture is also contradictory. Albania has experienced stable economic growth, but this growth relies mainly on limited sectors such as construction and services, while the industrial and agricultural base remains weak. This narrow economic structure limits competition and creates significant dependence on market cycles. According to analyses by the Albanian Conservative Institute, the private sector suffers from state interventions, lack of real competition, and favoritism toward companies connected to power, while informal practices remain widespread (Albanian Conservative Institute).
This makes it clear that, while political and diplomatic rhetoric tries to impose the idea of a “run” toward the EU, the pace of meeting standards is significantly slower. Albania shows the desire for integration, but against the measurable conditions set by the EU, it remains in a long and challenging process of reforms that cannot be achieved simply through political speed.
The political “run” exists, but the steps toward meeting standards are clearly slower. This contrast is not just a technical detail but a fundamental obstacle that determines the fate of the integration process. Politics can create images of speed and enthusiasm, but the European Union measures progress with other instruments: judicial independence, reduction of corruption, respect for fundamental freedoms, and the functioning of a competitive economy. These are tangible, measurable, and non-negotiable standards. If Albania continues to rely on diplomacy and rhetoric, the political “run” risks turning into disappointment, as happened with other regional countries that promised without delivering real results. The true challenge is not keeping up with meetings and statements, but translating political energy into reforms that change citizens’ lives and make the state functional according to European standards.
Harmony between political speed and the implementation of reforms is essential for EU integration. The Albanian government, as well as the entire opposition and uncorrupted civil organizations, must demonstrate work based on tangible results in rule of law, anti-corruption, and functioning of a fair economy. So far, the political run remains more visible than real progress, and European standards have still not been fully met. The success of the process is measured not by statements and images, but by consolidated reforms and concrete results that impact citizens’ lives.