European Commission President: Albania is close to joining the EU — Anadolu Agency

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana that the country’s goal of joining the European Union is now within reach. As Anadolu Agency reports, she called Albania one of the leaders in the process of joining the bloc and noted significant progress over the past year.

Negotiating chapters and reforms

According to von der Leyen, Albania has opened the final clusters of negotiating chapters and closed its first three chapters in July, including those concerning external relations. She also stated that the country has aligned its policy 100% with the EU’s common foreign and security policy.

At the same time, the European Commission president stressed the need for further reforms under the open chapters. In particular, they concern the justice system, electoral legislation and environmental protection. According to her, it is not enough simply to adopt changes; they must be thoroughly implemented so that they deliver tangible results for Albania’s residents.

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Funding and next steps

Edi Rama confirmed the government’s readiness to meet all requirements for moving toward EU membership and said that Albania is preparing to begin closing the next negotiating chapters by the end of the year. He also reported on the country’s efforts to combat organized crime and corruption.

Von der Leyen noted that Albania has completed more than 80% of the reform steps under the EU Growth Plan and has already received €213 million in funding. According to her, further disbursements are expected in the coming weeks. Next week, the European Commission also plans to present a review of policies ahead of EU enlargement, covering the bloc’s institutions, policies and budget.