TIRANA, June 10 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Enkelejd Musabelliu reported to the Foreign Policy Committee on Albania’s progress in European Union accession negotiations for Chapter 1 “Free Movement of Goods” and Chapter 30 “External Relations”.
He said Chapter 1 focuses on technical standards and regulatory alignment for goods. Meanwhile, he noted that negotiations opened in early 2025. He added that Albania continues cooperation with the European Commission. This cooperation aims to meet closing benchmarks.
In addition, Musabelliu said the chapter addresses non-tariff barriers and includes 98 legal and sub-legal acts. He said authorities identified 65 measures that affect free trade between Albania and the European Union. Earlier, he said authorities prepared the action plan in 2020. They submitted it in September 2025.
At the same time, he said work continues on legal alignment and institutional strengthening. He added that Albania will establish coordination structures before accession. These structures will manage free movement of goods. They will also ensure implementation of EU rules. He said authorities plan these structures after 2027. He said they will require investment in metrology, standardisation and market surveillance.
Turning to Chapter 30, Musabelliu said Albania remains in a highly advanced stage of preparation. Meanwhile, he outlined three priorities. He said these include strengthening administrative capacity for international agreements, coordinating with the European Commission on trade policy changes, and aligning bilateral and multilateral agreements with EU legislation by accession.
Lawmakers from both opposition and ruling majority raised concerns over inspection capacity and protection of domestic economic interests during the harmonisation process.
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