Costa: Albania Could Conclude EU Accession Talks by 2027

European Council President António Costa said Albania could complete its European Union accession negotiations by 2027 if it maintains its current pace of reforms.

Speaking at the EU–Moldova Summit in Brussels, Costa described Albania’s goal of closing negotiations by the end of 2027 as ambitious but achievable. He noted that the country has made significant progress and entered a new phase focused on implementing reforms and gradually closing negotiating chapters.

Moreover, Costa stressed that EU enlargement should move faster because of the strategic importance of integrating the Western Balkans into the Union. He emphasized that continued reform efforts remain essential for Albania’s advancement.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that enlargement remains a key geopolitical priority for the EU. She said candidate countries that meet the required criteria should be able to advance more rapidly toward membership.

However, EU accession still depends on meeting all European standards and securing unanimous approval from all 27 member states. As a result, Albania’s 2027 target remains within reach but will depend on both reform progress and decisions by EU governments.

/a.c/

The post Costa: Albania Could Conclude EU Accession Talks by 2027 appeared first on RTSH English.

Original post Here

News
Zelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test

Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …

News
Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order

The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …

News
Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here