Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania says the next phase of negotiations with the European Union requires faster reforms and closer coordination between institutions.

Officials held the 8th Intergovernmental Conference between the European Union and Albania in Brussels, marking a key milestone in Albania’s EU accession process.

The conference welcomes and endorses the European Commission report on Interim Benchmarks (IBAR), confirming that Albania achieves sufficient progress in the “Fundamentals” cluster.

It also approves the EU’s common position on the closing benchmarks for this negotiating chapter.

MEPJ describes the development as positive news for Albania and calls it a historic step in the country’s European integration path.

The ministry says the progress reflects sustained reforms in the rule of law, democratic governance, judicial reform, security standards, fundamental rights, and institutional accountability.

Officials stress that these reforms form the foundation of a functioning democracy and support the European Union model.

The statement adds that the results of the conference strengthen trust in Albania’s political commitment and institutional capacity and support the goal of full EU membership within this decade.

Albania becomes the first country in the current enlargement process to reach this stage under the EU’s new methodology, opening the way for the next phase of negotiations focused on closing chapters.

MEPJ says the next phase requires stronger coordination, greater efficiency, and intensified work from all negotiating structures, along with faster implementation of reforms.

The Albanian delegation attends the conference under the leadership of Prime Minister Edi Rama and includes senior ministers and members of the negotiating team.

The ministry thanks EU partners, Commissioner Marta Kos, the Cypriot Presidency, and EU member states for their continued cooperation and support.

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