TIRANA, May 21 – The EU Enlargement Working Group (COELA) has approved the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR) on Albania’s progress in the European Union integration process.
Meanwhile, the 27 EU member states have agreed on a common draft. Media reports say EU ambassadors will consider the text on Thursday in COREPER.
COREPER is the committee of EU member state ambassadors in Brussels, which prepares and agrees common positions before ministers take final decisions. In addition, it functions as a coordination stage in the EU decision-making process.
The draft followed nearly three months of discussions between the European Council and the European Commission. The Commission had earlier issued a positive assessment of Albania.
Following COREPER approval, the next step will be the EU–Albania Intergovernmental Conference on May 26. Prime Minister Edi Rama will represent Albania.
At the same time, officials describe the development as an important stage in the accession process. It supports further progress in closing negotiation chapters with the European Union.
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