TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ Minister of State and Chief EU Negotiator, Majlinda Dhuka, said the 2027 budget would help advance the country’s EU accession talks while laying the groundwork for its future membership in the bloc.
Speaking at a hearing before the Committee on European Affairs and Foreign Policy, Dhuka outlined the priorities of the 2027 budget, which comes at a time when Albania has entered a decisive phase in its EU accession process.
“All negotiating chapters have been opened, we have received a positive assessment of our progress on the rule of law, and we have provisionally closed the first four chapters. In this regard, 2027, 2028 and 2029 will be the most important years on our path towards joining the European family,” she said.
Dhuka stressed that intensive efforts would continue throughout 2027 to fulfil all commitments required to conclude the accession negotiations. Meanwhile, in 2028–2029, Albania will step up preparations to operate as an EU member state within this decade.
She added that even after joining the bloc, Albania would undergo a major and far-reaching transformation of its state institutions, economy and society, noting that the 2027 budget supports this European transformation as the country moves towards EU membership.
The Chief Negotiator stressed that the budget supports the development of a European state, with a particular focus on justice, security, European rights and human rights, as well as strengthening institutional capacity to implement European standards and values.
She also noted that a key budget priority is preparing Albania’s market and economy for integration into the EU single market, particularly by aligning them with its market standards.
“Upon accession, the Albanian market will operate as part of the European single market. The same applies to citizens’ living standards, which will be gradually brought closer to the EU average,” Dhuka said.
She added that another key priority for 2027 would be integration into European systems.
“I would particularly highlight integration into the customs and tax systems, among others, bearing in mind that, from the date of accession, Albania’s border will serve as an EU customs border, in addition to being the border of the Republic of Albania,” she added.
Dhuka also highlighted the importance of connecting Albania to trans-European networks, particularly transport corridors facilitating the movement of goods and people, as well as energy transmission infrastructure aimed at enhancing energy security in Albania and across the region.
She further noted that the 2027 budget would support the country’s integration into various European frameworks, including the European Higher Education Area, the European Research Area and the European energy market.
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