DW: Albania in the decisive phase of negotiations with the EU

2025-11-05 18:10:00, Aktualitet CNA

Ambassador Silvio Gonzato congratulated the Albanian authorities on the pace of opening the five group chapters and the completion of 21 fundamental reforms.

"We are entering a crucial phase, where Albania's will and ability to approach EU standards will be tested," he said, emphasizing that the European Commission is ready to support the country every step of the way towards concluding negotiations by the end of 2027.

Gonzato stressed the need for attention to the "intermediate milestones" that each candidate country must meet to advance in the process.

"Without their fulfillment, no other chapter can be closed, even provisionally. The report is factual and comprehensive. We hope that it will be read and appreciated, because it gives credit where it is due and highlights areas where there are setbacks," he said.

Gonzato: Testing phase for the will to reform

Ambassador Gonzato underlined the importance of inclusive consultations and political transparency.

"The urgency of reforms should not harm their quality. There must be meaningful consultations before approvals and healthy debates in the Assembly. Membership is a societal project that must be embraced by everyone, the government, the opposition and civil society," Gonzato added.

Prime Minister Edi Rama interpreted the report as confirmation that Albania is moving in the right direction towards the EU.

"The report clearly states that Albania is on the right track to technically conclude the negotiations within 2027. Of course there are challenges, but we focus on the glass half full to fill the empty part as well," Rama declared.

According to him, the historic goal remains the recommendation of membership in the 2027 progress report. "I am proud that Albania is today the vanguard of the process, alongside Montenegro and a positive example for other countries aiming for the EU," he said.

Albania in full alignment with EU policy

The meeting in Tirana followed the publication of a European Commission report, which noted that Albania has maintained a clear political line and full compliance with the EU's foreign and security policy, including support for sanctions against Russia. This position is seen by Brussels as evidence of Albania's reliability as a partner.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, praised Albania's progress in fulfilling the obligations of the negotiation process.

"Albania has achieved exemplary progress in the group of open chapters, and the last one is expected to open in November. This confirms the political commitment and clear perspective that Albanians have," she said.

Meanwhile, the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, described Albania's progress as "unprecedented" and mentioned a possible deadline for EU enlargement.

"It is a real possibility that by 2030 we will have several new member countries such as Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine," she said, adding that the pace of expansion has slowed in Kosovo and Serbia due to tensions between them.

Challenges on the path to integration

The progress report for Albania raises concerns about increasing political pressures on the justice system, the lack of progress in ensuring the security of judges and prosecutors, and the weak judicial infrastructure.

The report also emphasizes that electoral and public administration reform require acceleration, while the environment remains the most difficult chapter, because recommendations for nature protection and the fight against environmental crime have been implemented to a limited extent. /DW