Albania Exerting Significant Diplomatic Influence in Attempts to Check Russian Aggression
Sneak Peek: Albania's Diplomatic Prowess in Countering Russian Influence
Albania is making waves in the Western Balkans, rising as a formidable force against Russian influence. A recent report by the New Lines Institute (NLI) sheds light on this emerging trend.
One report, titled Albania Redefined: NATO and the Security Architecture Shaping Tirana's Foreign Policy, paints a picture of Albania developing into a diplomatic powerhouse since its 2009 entry into NATO. This transformation was particularly notable in mid-May when Tirana welcomed a gathering of European leaders to strategize action against Russia and push for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Albania has been Kyiv's most steadfast ally in the Western Balkans since the start of Russia's 2022 unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The report states, "From the beginning of the conflict, Albania condemned Russia's invasion and expressed unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." Albania's support for NATO's response and commitment to international sanctions against Moscow echoed the European Union's stance.
A significant diplomatic victory for Tirana was hosting the European Union-Western Balkans summit in early 2022, marking the first time the annual gathering took place outside an EU member state. The city also hosted the 2024 Ukraine-Western Balkans summit, focusing on crafting a unified approach to security threats posed by Russia. This summit allowed Tirana to demonstrate its regional leadership.
In January, Albania solidified its bond with Ukraine by signing a ten-year strategic cooperation pact, covering areas like defense and security, intelligence sharing, cyber security, and mutual diplomatic support for EU accession.
Delving Deeper:
Albania's unyielding support for Ukraine can be seen in various diplomatic settings. For example, the Albanian Parliament endorsed a security agreement with Ukraine in June 2025, underscoring Albania's firm resolve to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia[1].
Albania's role as a host nation extended beyond the EU-Western Balkans summit; it also played host to the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in May 2025, where support for Ukraine was a key focus. The EPC Summit emphasized unity and cooperation among European countries, indirectly countering Russian influence by promoting a unified European stance[3][4].
Looking ahead, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was invited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to participate in the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit, further strengthening their diplomatic relations[5].
Besides supporting Ukraine, Albania promotes European integration across the Western Balkans. Prime Minister Rama's pro-EU electoral victory underscores this commitment. By aligning the region with European values and policies, Albania reduces Russian influence, fostering EU integration and cooperation[4].
Furthermore, by hosting significant international events like the EPC Summit, Albania showcases its leadership in the region. This leadership can guide other Western Balkan countries away from Russian influence and towards a European agenda[3].
Lastly, Albania's approval of security agreements, such as the one with Ukraine, signals its active engagement in regional security cooperation. This cooperation serves to counterbalance Russian military influence in the region[1].
In conclusion, Albania's support for Ukraine and its diplomatic endeavors play a crucial role in countering Russian influence in the Western Balkans by promoting European integration and unity.
The recent European Union-Western Balkans summit, hosted by Albania in early 2022, demonstrated its regional leadership and indirectly countered Russian influence by promoting a unified European stance. In addition, Albania's approval of security agreements, such as the one with Ukraine, signals its active engagement in regional security cooperation, serving to counterbalance Russian military influence in the region.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Edi Rama, Albania has been actively engaging in general news, politics, and specifically war-and-conflicts, by firmly supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This unyielding stance has echoed the European Union's stance against Russian influence.
