Event Recap

New Atlanticist

Nov 27, 2023

Spillover from wars in the Middle East and Ukraine may spread to the Western Balkans, warns Albanian prime minister

By Katherine Walla

Western Balkans countries must “work day and night to keep the conflict out of the borders of our region,” Prime Minister Edi Rama said at the Atlantic Council.

Crisis Management European Union

On November 27, 2023, the Atlantic Council hosted a virtual #ACFrontPage conversation with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on economic integration in the Western Balkans and the region’s pathway to the European Union (EU).  

Albania, seizing a unique window of opportunity amid the shifting European geopolitical landscape, has emerged as a frontrunner for EU membership. The Albanian government, alongside its allies, has played a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine through both humanitarian and military efforts, showcasing its commitment to broader geopolitical issues.  

In this moderated discussion, Rama shared his perspective on the implications of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Albania’s path to EU membership, the EU enlargement process, and regional economic integration efforts.

The conversation was live streamed on Atlantic Council TV, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

An #ACFrontPage Event

Atlantic Council Front Page is our premier live ideas platform for global leaders to discuss the defining challenges of our time. #ACFrontPage is a high-level event series featuring top newsmakers across multiple digital platforms. Harnessing the convening power and expertise of the Council’s sixteen programs and centers, #ACFrontPage leverages the Council’s capabilities in social media, press, and digital outreach to spotlight the world’s most prominent leaders and the most compelling ideas across sectors and engage new audiences eager for nonpartisan and constructive solutions to current global challenges. This widely promoted program features the Council’s most important guests and content serving as the highlight of our programming.

Featuring

H.E. Edi Rama
Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania

In conversation with

Staff

Frederick Kempe

President and CEO

Europe & Eurasia German

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