TIRANA, Albania (Brussels Morning Newspaper) — On Friday, leaders from 47 European nations convened in Albania’s capital for the fourth European Political Community (EPC) Summit, under the theme “New Europe in a New World: Unity, Cooperation, Common Action.” The event, marking the first time it has been held in the Western Balkans, highlighted both Albania’s growing diplomatic prominence and Europe’s ongoing efforts to strengthen unity amidst escalating geopolitical pressures.
The summit was co-chaired by European Council President António Costa and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and focused on three core issues: security and democratic stability, economic resilience, and inclusive development through innovation, youth, and migration policies.
Zelensky Denounces Russian Peace Proposal as “Not Serious”
In a direct address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s overtures for peace as insincere. “Ukraine seeks peace, and peace in Europe depends on whether we Ukrainians will achieve it,” Zelensky stated, criticizing Russia’s refusal to engage constructively. He pointed to failed diplomatic efforts in Turkey, where he had hoped for a direct meeting with President Vladimir Putin. “The Russian delegation that came to Istanbul was at a very low level and failed to produce any results,” Zelensky remarked, reiterating calls for a “complete and unconditional ceasefire.”
The Ukrainian president called on Western nations to maintain pressure on Moscow, stressing, “It is not us undermining the negotiations; it is the Russians. The pressure must continue until there is progress.” He also noted the importance of defining key issues at the highest leadership levels, rather than through secondary channels.
Addressing U.S. politics, Zelensky acknowledged President Donald Trump’s stance on ending the war, stating that cooperation with the U.S. would be essential. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to construct a new security framework for both Ukraine and Europe.
Macron’s Call for European Unity
French President Emmanuel Macron began his remarks by congratulating Prime Minister Rama on his recent electoral victory and praised Albania for hosting the summit.
“Thank you, Edi, for your hospitality and congratulations on your election results,”
Macron said.
“This is a journey not just of geography but of history, mythology, and shared European values.”
Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to Ukraine and emphasized the EPC’s importance as a platform for broader European cooperation beyond the EU framework.
“This summit is an unprecedented opportunity for Europe to face its challenges together, especially at a time when unity is increasingly under threat,”
He stated.
European Leaders Stand United on Ukraine
Throughout the day, other leaders expressed firm opposition to Russian aggression. Mark Rutte, Secretary-General of NATO, spoke out against Russia’s acts and warned that if they took over more Ukrainian land, bad things would happen. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said a 17th package of EU measures aimed at Russia’s energy sector, including the Nord Stream pipelines, was being prepared.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed Zelensky’s sentiments, describing President Putin’s peace efforts as “not serious” and calling for greater European unity in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, lauded Albania’s continuous reforms and restated the EU’s dedication to expansion, especially in the Western Balkans. Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani urged Albania to continue supporting Kosovo’s EU integration and called for the lifting of punitive measures against Pristina, expressing concern that some EU member states were aligning too closely with Russia’s allies over Kosovo’s interests.
Rama: “Europe Must Reinvent Itself”
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking from a newly built venue symbolic of Albania’s modernizing direction, reflected on his country’s pro-European path. He compared the May 11 election to a “reversed Brexit,” with 52% of voters supporting EU integration.
“The remaining 48% are not Eurosceptics; they are impatient Euro-optimists who believe we should already be in the EU,”
He explained.
Rama called on Europe to seize the moment and adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics.
“Europe must reinvent itself in this new era,”
He said, drawing a parallel between the aspirations of today’s youth and the founding ideals of the European Union.
Launched in 2022 in reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EPC seeks to promote political unity all across Europe. Albania’s involvement in organising the summit underscores the Western Balkans’ increasing relevance on the European political scene as the area aims a greater leading part in forming Europe’s future.
