Prime Minister Edi Rama joins the Atlantic Council for an exclusive town hall conversation to share his perspective on the latest developments in Albania’s path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. After the disappointing 2019 decision by the European Council to delay opening EU accession talks for Albania and North Macedonia, Prime Minister Rama will detail the ongoing efforts to strengthen Albania’s bonds with the EU and the larger transatlantic community, including his role as the 2020 Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Prime Minister Rama will also discuss Albania’s role as a NATO ally, the progress of domestic reforms, and opportunities for further cooperation among the countries of the Western Balkans and their European and US partners.
Prime Minister Rama has served in his current position since September 2013 and has led the Socialist Party of Albania as its chairman since 2005. He is also Albania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Previously, Prime Minister Rama served as the Mayor of Tirana from 2000 to 2011 and as the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports from 1998 to 2000.