The Government of Albania announced that the European Union has invited the country to open negotiations on several chapters of Cluster 4 of the EU accession process.
According to the announcement, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU member states has authorized the Council Presidency currently held by Poland to formally request that Albania submit its negotiating position for four chapters under the “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity” cluster.
On June 11, Poland, in its role as Council President, sent a letter to Albania asking it to prepare and present its positions on the following chapters:
- Chapter 14: Transport Policy – aims to improve infrastructure and enhance road and railway safety.
- Chapter 15: Energy – focuses on ensuring a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy supply.
- Chapter 21: Trans-European Networks – concerns Albania’s infrastructural connectivity with EU countries.
- Chapter 27: Environment and Climate Change – deals with aligning with EU environmental standards and tackling climate change.
These positions will be presented at the Sixth Intergovernmental Conference with Albania, the date of which will be announced soon by the EU Council Presidency.
The Albanian government welcomed the EU’s decision, calling it a confirmation of the country’s successful progress in the EU membership process. It emphasized that these negotiations mark concrete steps toward:
- Safer and more modern roads
- Improved regional and European connectivity
- Access to clean and affordable energy
- Environmental protection for future generations
Albania opened its first negotiation chapter in October 2024, following a long wait: it applied for EU membership in 2009, and obtained candidate status in 2014.
In total, Albania must open and close 33 chapters to join the EU, each requiring unanimous approval from all member states.
