IDM Short Insights 47: The Western Balkans, France and the EPC – A Turning Point in Tirana
On May 2025, the European Political Community (EPC) met for the first time in the Western Balkans, with Tirana hosting the sixth summit. Gwendoline Faucon (Trainee at the IDM) explains how France, a key driver of the EPC, used the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to regional cooperation and EU enlargement. President Macron called for stronger investment in Albania and suggested the country could join the EU within two years, if given a clear mandate. However, challenges like corruption, rules of law issues and youth emigration continue to slow EU accession.
Transcript:
In May 2025, the European Political Community Summit took place in Tirana, marking the first time the meeting was held in the Western Balkans. This meeting brought renewed focus on the European future of the region, with France playing a central role.
What is the EPC and its role?
Launched by French President Macron in May 2022, the EPC strengthen political dialogue and cooperation across the European continent in both EU and non-EU countries. The Tirana Summit focused on key topics such as security and democratic resilience, economic competitiveness, migration and mobility challenges, and youth empowerment.
What message did President Macron deliver during his visit to Tirana?
In Tirana, Macron stressed the importance of a stronger, more resilient Europe through cooperation, while during the « Invest into a connected Europe » Economic Forum, he encouraged investment in Albania, stating his belief that the country could join the European Union within two years if given a clear mandate. This underlines Macron’s dual approach: maintaining cooperation and his commitment to EU enlargement.
How is France reshaping its engagement with the Western Balkans?
France’s engagement with the Western Balkans has accelerated since 2019, providing support through bilateral cooperation. For example, through the French Development Agency, France supports EU alignment focusing on sectors like sustainability, energy and gender equality projects. It has also co-established the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre to strengthen digital resilience. France complements and supports the EU work with an active participation in formats like the Berlin Process. Its assistance is crucial for addressing the changes necessary for the Western Balkans path to EU accession.
What remaining obstacles stand in the way of Western Balkan EU accession?
Several EU members, including France, continue to express concerns, particularly around rule-of-law issues and high levels of corruption. Bilateral disputes, organized crime and economic disparities continue to slow the region’s progress, while youth emigration remains a prominent issue with young people seeking for opportunities abroad. The next EPC Summit scheduled for October 2025 in Denmark will provide another opportunity to assess progress and reaffirm the countries commitment to cooperation.
