Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana on May 16, 2025, welcoming leaders from 47 nations, including France, Germany, and the UK. The summit focused on Europe’s security, economic resilience, and youth empowerment.
Rama, who secured a fourth term in office earlier this month with a pledge to achieve EU membership by 2030, greeted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with a signature gesture, kneeling on the red carpet to present her with a scarf designed by an Italian artist now living in Albania.
He also sang “Tanti Auguri”, the Italian version of “Happy Birthday.” This act underscored the strong diplomatic ties between Albania and Italy.
Despite differing political ideologies, Rama leads Albania’s Socialist Party, while Meloni heads Italy’s right-wing Brothers of Italy; the two leaders have maintained a collaborative relationship. They previously agreed to house some of Italy’s rescued migrants in Albanian detention centers, though the initiative faces legal challenges.
The EPC summit served as a platform for Albania to showcase its aspirations and progress on the path to EU integration. Rama emphasized that hosting the summit was a significant moment for Albania, highlighting its growing role in European affairs.(AFP inputs)
