TIRANA, July 17 – European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania has effectively started closing negotiation chapters for the first time in its accession process, as the bloc prepares for a new phase of enlargement.
Speaking at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels, Kos said EU enlargement has gained renewed momentum and has become a strategic project for Europe’s security and future.
Regarding Albania, the commissioner highlighted the closure of 3 negotiation chapters and praised the country’s progress in the accession process. She said this marks an important step for Albania’s path toward EU membership.
Meanwhile, Kos said the European Commission will present this autumn a package of proposals to prepare the Union for future enlargement. The package will include measures for gradual integration of candidate countries before full membership.
Kos also referred to developments in other candidate countries, including Montenegro, Moldova, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Serbia. She said the pace of negotiations depends on reforms and consensus among EU member states.
According to the commissioner, enlargement today represents more than the accession of new members. It also aims to strengthen Europe’s political, economic and security framework.
The European Commission is also considering expanding gradual integration mechanisms, including earlier access to parts of the EU single market for candidate countries.
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