EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania reached an important milestone by closing its first three negotiation chapters with the European Union.
Speaking after the 9th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, Kos said the achievement marks a major step in Albania’s path toward EU membership.
“Today, we closed the first three chapters with Albania. This is a major moment for the country’s European journey,” Kos said.
Albania closed negotiations on scientific research, education and culture, and external relations.
Kos said these areas already connect Albania closely with the European family. She highlighted Albania’s alignment with EU foreign policy, the participation of Albanian universities in European research networks, and the involvement of more than 50,000 Albanian students in the Erasmus+ programme.
She congratulated Albanian authorities for meeting key rule-of-law benchmarks that allowed the country to close the chapters.
However, Kos urged Albania to continue and strengthen reforms, especially in the justice system, the fight against corruption, organised crime, and the protection of fundamental rights.
She said the EU will continue supporting Albania, while calling for a transparent process that includes political parties, civil society and citizens.
Kos also pointed to strong public support for EU membership. She said 92% of Albanians support joining the European Union and 94% believe membership will bring more benefits.
“Reforms succeed when people have the chance to participate and make their voices heard,” Kos said.
She concluded that strong political commitment and public support will help Albania achieve its goal of completing EU negotiations by the end of 2027.
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