ALBANIAN 
France
EU member state and NATO ally; maintains an embassy in Tirana.
Milestones
- 1922 Diplomatic relations established — 1922 (year only). France was the first Western state to re-open its mission in Tirana after WWII, in 1945.↗
- 1945 Diplomatic relations resumed — Re-established 1945 — the first Western mission back in Tirana.↗
- 1949 Joined NATO — Founding member.↗
- 1958 Joined the European Union — Founding member (European Economic Community).↗
Ambassadors
Foreign ministers & heads of state/government
Head of state
Visits
Split by direction and by ministry/portfolio, so non-MFA contact stays visible.
Their visits to Albania
-
May 16, 2025 – May 17, 2025Head of state Foreign Affairs
Attended the 6th European Political Community Summit in Tirana, chaired by PM Rama; stayed an extra day for a bilateral with Rama, including a joint visit to the 42 Tirana campus.
Outcome: Macron's second visit to Albania in under two years.
-
April 9, 2025Deputy/vice minister Foreign Affairs
Working visit to Tirana (Liria Building); met FM Hasani on deepening bilateral relations and Albania's EU accession path.
-
Oct. 16, 2023 – Oct. 17, 2023Head of state Foreign Affairs
Attended the 10th Berlin Process (Western Balkans) Summit in Tirana — the first Berlin Process summit ever held in a Western Balkan state — then stayed an extra day for bilateral meetings with President Begaj and PM Rama.
Outcome: First visit to Albania by a sitting French President.
Albania's visits to them
-
June 22, 2026Head of government Foreign Affairs
Working lunch with Macron at the Élysée. Discussed innovation, education, culture, tourism, EU integration, and preparation for the NATO Ankara summit.
-
May 26, 2026Deputy/vice minister Foreign Affairs
Met Haddad on the margins of an EU meeting in Brussels — not a bilateral capital visit. Discussed the EU enlargement process, the Western Balkans, and regional cooperation.
-
Sept. 23, 2025Head of state Foreign Affairs
Met Macron at UN headquarters, New York, on the margins of the UNGA 80th session — not a bilateral capital visit. Coincided with the ceremony for the entry into force of the BBNJ (High Seas) Agreement, which Albania ratified.
Outcome: Discussed ocean conservation and Albania's role in bringing BBNJ into force.
-
March 18, 2025Minister Foreign Affairs
Barrot received his Albanian counterpart Hasani (Paris, inferred venue).
Outcome: Barrot reaffirmed full French support for Albania's EU accession path and reforms; thanked Albania for hosting the EPC Summit in Tirana on 16 May 2025.
-
April 11, 2024 – April 12, 2024Head of government Foreign Affairs
Two-day official visit to Paris: a MEDEF working session with French business leaders, a welcome and one-on-one meeting with Macron at the Élysée, and a visit to Station F. Delegation included 5 Albanian ministers.
Outcome: France-Albania Innovation Council launched; several MoUs signed.
Agreements
Every fact here cites a source. The chip after each marks how well-attested it is: primary official media unverified.
-
Marrëveshjendërqeveritare Ndërmjet Këshillit Të Ministrave Të Republikës Së Shqipërisë Dhe Qeverisë Së Republikës Franceze Mbi Kontributin Në Zbatimin E Projekteve Prioritare Në ShqipëriOther In forcesigned April 12, 2024
Public opinion
How the public in this country feels about Albania joining the EU.
| Wave | Fielded | In favour | Opposed | Don't know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Eurobarometer 564 ↗ | March 1, 2025 | 36% | 48% | 16% |