The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) overwhelmingly approved a resolution on Albania’s 2025 Progress Report on Tuesday, with 58 votes in favor. The vote has been met with high praise from Tirana, with Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha describing the document as a testament to Albania’s role as a “frontrunner” in the EU enlargement process.
In a statement released on X, Minister Hoxha welcomed the resolution, noting that it reinforces the findings of the European Commission and provides an objective overview of the country’s deep-seated reforms and strategic alignment.
Strategic Ambition: Target 2027
A key highlight of the resolution is the acknowledgment of Albania’s ambitious goal to conclude accession negotiations by the year 2027. Minister Hoxha noted that this reflects a shared understanding between Tirana and Brussels that the country has entered a “decisive phase” of the membership process.
“The resolution confirms that Albania is on the right track and that the expansion process is producing concrete results,” Hoxha stated. “Our approach remains unchanged: to continue reforms with determination, address remaining challenges, and maintain a high pace of progress.”
Key Pillars of the 2025 Resolution
The Foreign Ministry outlined several critical areas where Albania’s performance was specifically commended:
- Foreign Policy Alignment: Albania was praised for its 100% alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, confirming its status as a reliable international partner.
- Regional Stability: The resolution recognizes Albania’s active contribution to Western Balkan stability and its engagement with the EU Growth Plan.
- Political Consensus: The document highlights the broad internal political consensus and strong public support for European integration within Albania.
- Opening of Clusters: The progress in opening “group-chapters” was cited as concrete evidence of the credibility of Albania’s developmental rhythm.
A Constructive Path Forward
While celebratory, the resolution also identifies specific areas requiring further effort. Minister Hoxha viewed these recommendations as part of a “constructive and ongoing dialogue” intended to help orient and consolidate comprehensive reforms.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Rapporteur for Albania, Andreas Schieder, as well as the members of the AFET Committee for their continued support. “This resolution constitutes a clear and indisputable assessment of Albania’s unwavering commitment to its European journey,” Hoxha concluded.
