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EU for Albania: The most difficult phase is the implementation of reforms

2026-05-27 10:46:00, Aktualitet CNA

Albania crosses another threshold towards the EU, with confirmation of meeting the interim objectives for the "Fundamentals" chapter group. But Brussels requires concrete evidence.

Albania passed another key stage on Tuesday (26.05) on its path to the European Union. The 8th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU confirmed the fulfillment of the interim objectives for the "Fundamentals" chapter group, which includes justice, fundamental rights, security and the functioning of democratic institutions. But in addition to the assessments of progress in the justice reform and the fight against corruption, the European Union gave the clear message that the most difficult phase begins now, that of implementing the reforms.

At the conference in Brussels, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, described the justice reform as one of the key elements of progress in the negotiations. She praised the vetting process and the establishment of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, SPAK.

"We have seen the vetting of hundreds of judges and prosecutors. We have seen the establishment of SPAK, which is a flagship anti-corruption institution that has proven that it can deliver results and that it can become the most reliable institution in Albania," said Kos.

The European Commissioner emphasized that the fulfillment of intermediate objectives does not constitute the end of the process, but the entry into a phase where concrete and sustainable results are required.

"The moment the conditions are met, this is the moment to intensify the work. Further progress is expected," said the commissioner. "More than 95% of Albanians support your EU membership. We have a long way to go, but it will come very soon," added Kos.

"The beginning of the end" for negotiations

Prime Minister Edi Rama described the 8th Intergovernmental Conference as another "milestone" in Albania's European integration process. At the joint conference with European Commissioner Marta Kos and the representative of the EU Council presidency, Marilena Raouna, Rama said that Albania has managed to open all negotiation chapters within 11 months, a pace he called a record.

"You should see and learn from Albania's love for the EU, an inexhaustible, unconditional love. So we feel energized, encouraged, but also with more responsibility, because we know that it is not the end, it is only the beginning of the end," the prime minister said.

Rama added that progress in the negotiations is directly related to the transformation of the institutions and justice system in the country.

"Today we received confirmation of much stronger institutions than a year ago. A justice system strengthened and independent like never before in the history of our country," said Rama.

Ambassadors in Tirana: Justice determines the path to the EU

From Tirana, German Ambassador Karl Bergner welcomed the fulfillment of the interim objectives in the "Fundamentals" chapter group, calling it an important step in Albania's EU membership process.

"A strong rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and a pluralistic democracy are the essence of European values. Thus, steps forward in the field of "Fundamentals" determine Albania's speed on the path towards the EU" - declared Ambassador Bergner, while adding that Germany strongly supports the country's membership in the European Union.

Dutch Ambassador Reinout Vos also expressed the same view, saying that the adoption of interim objectives marks a starting point for the next phase of reforms.

"Respect for the independence of the judiciary and unhindered efforts against corruption, including high-level cases, are non-negotiable prerequisites for Albania's progress in the EU accession process," the Dutch ambassador said in a statement.

Albania applied for EU membership in April 2009 and was granted candidate country status in June 2014. The EU held its first intergovernmental conference with Albania in July 2022./ DW