Ambassador Ström in Pogradec "/ Sweden supports Albania's reforms and path towards the EU"

2025-11-19 18:31:00, Aktualitet CNA

Ambassador Ström in Pogradec "/ Sweden supports Albania's reforms

The Ambassador of Sweden to Albania, Niklas Ström, paid a visit to Pogradec today, where he met with the mayor and discussed the country’s European integration process. He described Pogradec as a beautiful and important region for Albania, underlining that the opening of all chapters of the EU negotiations is a historic step and a very important achievement for the country. Ström emphasized that Sweden remains a strong partner of Albania, both at the local level with support for local governance and democracy, and at the national level for the environment, the rule of law and economic development. As part of the visit, the ambassador also participated in the screening of a Swedish film in Pogradec, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and increased recognition between the two countries.

" I am very happy to be here in Pogradec, a very beautiful region, an important part of Albania. I have just met with the mayor and we discussed Albania's important step, the stage in the European integration process. Albania has now opened all chapters of the EU negotiations and the important actions that need to be taken at the local level, also by the municipalities, in that process. And we have also talked about the partnership that Albania has with Sweden and how Sweden is supporting Albania both at the local level with local governance and local democracy and at the national level, with the environment, the rule of law and economic development. And today we are happy to be able to screen another Swedish film here in Pogradec, because I think it is important to increase the knowledge of each other's countries between Sweden and Albania. And I want to promote every kind of contact between our two countries."

Asked about the pace of Albania's progress towards EU membership, Ström described it as "fantastic", recalling that the chapters were opened within a year and that the country has an ambitious calendar for their closure by 2027. According to him, the EU and Sweden fully support this process, while reforms remain Albania's responsibility.

"The progress has been fantastic so far. They have opened all the chapters within a year. Sweden is very interested in Albania joining the European Union and Albania has a very ambitious calendar. The EU, the European Commission and Sweden support this. But it is up to Albania to make all the reforms that are needed. We are here to support, and the EU is here to support."

Regarding debates on the quality of democracy, the ambassador said that Sweden and Albania are working together to strengthen democratic institutions, underlining that it is essential that the country continues to improve.

"We are working and Albania is working to improve democracy in this country and I think this is very important for the country, to improve and improve further."

He also commented on the adoption of the new law on gender equality, praising the commitment of parliament. Ström added that gender equality is a value that should be defended by every person who believes in the rights of women and men, as has long been done in Sweden.

"Well , the parliament has passed the gender equality law and I think what's important here is that every person who believes in the rights of women and men should stand up for gender equality, and that's what we do in Sweden."

In closing, Ambassador Ström reiterated Sweden's commitment to continue supporting reforms and strengthening Albanian institutions, emphasizing that the path to the EU requires continued cooperation and joint efforts. He stated that the ties between the two countries are deepening every day, not only at the institutional level, but also at the cultural level, describing this as an important investment for Albania's future in the European family./ CNA