This paper first deals with the complicated history of Albania’s EU integration efforts and how it has been perceived by the public. Then it continues with the internal and external challenges of the EU itself. It follows with the growing criticism of the political and public elite in Albania in relation to the EU to understand whether we are dealing with a systematic and structural increase or just rhetoric for internal consumption. Then, the paper discusses the involvement of third actors in the Western Balkans, focusing on Albania in particular, analyzing their role and impact in the relations of these countries with the EU. In the end, it continues with the different stage of integration of the countries of the Western Balkans and what lessons can be drawn from this comparison, offering the relevant conclusions.