THESSALONIKI, Greece — Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed Albania’s ambition to achieve European Union membership by the year 2030 during a gathering of around 2,000 supporters at a hotel in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki this past Sunday.

In addition to his remarks on EU aspirations, Rama announced that, for the first time, Albanian expatriates will have the opportunity to cast their votes by mail in the forthcoming general election, which is scheduled for Spring 2025. The event was filled with energy, showcasing a lively atmosphere driven by flag displays and performances from popular Albanian musicians.

While addressing the crowd, Rama opted to minimize recent tensions with Greece, notably the incarceration of Fredis Beleris, the mayoral candidate imprisoned on charges linked to electoral fraud. Beleris, who represents the Albanian Greek-speaking community, was previously elected to the European Parliament last June, with his candidacy supported by Greece’s ruling conservative party. He has since been released from prison and is now allowed to fulfill his parliamentary duties.

Rama characterized the relationship between Albania and Greece as strong and beneficial, seeking to maintain a positive tone despite the challenges that have surfaced.

While there had been concerns regarding potential nationalist demonstrations in Thessaloniki, home to several far-right factions, only a small group of about 20-25 individuals gathered outside the venue, holding a banner that urged Rama to depart.