Tirana, 16 September 2025 | Tirana Connectivity Forum 2025 commenced with a keynote address from former EU Commissioner and Bulgarian Chief Negotiator Meglena Kuneva, who outlined Albania’s path to European integration as a critical strategic opportunity demanding immediate action. Speaking to an audience of diplomats, policymakers, regional leaders, and civil society, Kuneva stressed that the political process carries more weight than the technical one, noting that the convergence of technical readiness and political timing creates a crucial moment for accession.
The Criticality of Political Momentum
Kuneva condensed her extensive negotiation experience into a central thesis: while technical reforms are foundational, Enlargement is ultimately a political decision. She identified the European Union’s current strategic imperatives – geopolitical stability, secure energy routes, and resilient supply chains – as a decisive “window of opportunity” for Albania.
Illustrating this point with a metaphor, Kuneva stated, “The European Union is like a metro. A voice announces, ‘the doors are open.’ This is the momentum. But after a short time, the same voice says, ‘the doors are closed.’ Be aware it’s not forever. To succeed, you must be ready to step through at the right time.”
The Maturity of the Membership goal
Linking the forum’s core theme to the political reality of EU accession, Kuneva asserted that Albania’s ambitious goals in energy, digital, and transport infrastructure are no longer merely regional development priorities, but are directly aligned with core EU strategic interests. She positioned these connectivity initiatives as the most tangible proof of Albania’s readiness to be a “net contributor” to the Union from its first day as a member.
“What is being discussed here at this forum is not a sidebar to the accession talks; it is the main stage,” Kuneva declared. “By positioning itself as a hub of connectivity, Albania demonstrates it is not a passive candidate but a future member ready to strengthen the Union. This changes the entire conversation from charity to strategic partnership.”
A Mandate for Confident Engagement
Issuing a clear call to action, Kuneva urged Albanian leaders to adopt a proactive and strategic posture. She declared, “Hope is not a strategy. Winning is a matter of habit.” She cited Albania’s successful tenures in the OSCE and the UN Security Council as evidence of a growing “habit of victory” and institutional growth that must now be applied to EU negotiations.
She further empowered the audience by explaining the shifted dynamic of formal talks. “The tables are turned once negotiations begin,” Kuneva noted. “The EU has already assessed that you will be a valuable member. So, my advice is simple: ask for the floor more often. Be an active agent of change around the negotiating table.”
Kuneva’s address provided a sobering yet optimistic reality check, acknowledging the complexities of engaging with 27 member states. “Make everything possible for Member States to know you” she added, while encouraging clear communication strategies for each and every country.
Ms. Kuneva keynote launched the 11th edition of TCF2025 further discussing the ‘Turning the Table’ approach in the areas of security, competitiveness, and connectivity.
