Albania is entering a new phase in its European Union membership talks.
The 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference will take place in Brussels on May 26, 2026. This meeting opens the path to the closing phase of EU accession negotiations.
The Media and Information Agency announced the news today. The EU’s Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the decision to hold the conference.
The decision confirms that Albania has met the interim benchmarks for the “Fundamentals” cluster. It also sets the conditions to close membership negotiations for Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom, and Security).
The 8th Intergovernmental Conference officially allows Albania to start closing its EU membership talks.
This decision marks a major milestone in Albania’s EU accession journey. It confirms the country’s steady progress in meeting key negotiation priorities. These priorities include the rule of law and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
The EU’s decision recognizes Albania’s progress in cementing its justice reform. It also praises the independent, efficient, and honest operation of its judicial and independent institutions. Furthermore, it acknowledges Albania’s fight against corruption and organized crime.
Additionally, the decision commends Albania’s progress in human rights. This includes freedom of expression and media, property rights, respect for national minorities, equality, and non-discrimination. All of these meet core EU standards and values.
Today’s decision reaffirms EU support for Albania’s European future. It praises Albanian institutions for implementing transformative reforms. These reforms strengthen the rule of law, boost democracy, and drive sustainable economic and social growth.
“Albania remains determined to deepen its reforms. Clear progress and a strong European vision guide the country. We will improve results in the judiciary, fundamental rights, justice, freedom, and security. We will also advance public procurement, statistics, and financial control within the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster and beyond. Albania will maintain a steady pace to meet all EU membership criteria within this decade. This is our major national project for Albania’s European transformation,” the Media and Information Agency stated in a press release.
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