How Strong Is Europe? Albania’s Path to the EU

A public fishbowl discussion

Albania has opened every negotiating cluster with the EU and now aims to close its accession talks by the end of 2027, with membership in sight by 2030. The pace is remarkable. It also raises hard questions on both sides. Are the reforms on rule of law, justice and the fight against corruption deep enough to last? Will young Albanians see their future at home, or will membership speed up the brain drain? And is the European Union itself ready to take in new members, with its institutions, budget and decision-making as they stand today?

We put these questions to guests from politics and diplomacy in an open fishbowl. A small circle starts the conversation, one chair stays empty. Anyone in the audience can take it, join the debate and hand it back. No speeches from a podium, but a real exchange.

The evening opens with a welcome address by H.E. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Germany.

Guests

With Adea Pirdeni, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, Republic of Albania (tbc), Sebastian Fischer, Director for EU Policy and Coordination, Federal Foreign Office (tbc), and Ardian Hackaj, Cooperation and Development Institute (CDI), Tirana.

Program, Friday, 27 Nov 2026

16:30 | | Welcome and opening remarks by H.E. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania
16:45 | | Fishbowl discussion with representatives of the German Federal Foreign Office, the European Commission and the Government of Albania (invited)
17:45 | | Albanian piano music, followed by a reception with buffet

The discussion is held in English. Admission is free, registration is required.

In cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Berlin.