Albania is set to open a new chapter in its European Union (EU) accession negotiations, with significant evaluations expected during the upcoming EU Council meeting on December 17. Ministers responsible for European Affairs will assess Albania’s continuous progress on reforms, with particular focus on the judiciary and the rule of law.
The EU Council will evaluate the country’s performance based on the criteria established in Chapters 23 and 24, which address judiciary reforms, law enforcement, and anti-corruption measures. The conclusions drawn by the Council will highlight the country’s ongoing efforts and set forth the necessary steps to continue on its path to EU membership.
Key Areas for Improvement:
Albania is expected to improve its track record in investigations, particularly in prosecuting high-level political officials. The country will be evaluated on its progress in securing final convictions, as well as its ability to confiscate criminal assets, including those tied to senior officials. This is a crucial step to demonstrate Albania’s commitment to fighting corruption and strengthening the rule of law.
Focus on Foreign Policy and External Relations:
In a parallel development, on December 18, Albania will also open a chapter on foreign policy during the third Intergovernmental Conference of the EU accession process. This chapter is anticipated to be one of the quicker ones to close, as Albania has fully aligned its foreign policy with that of the EU. Notably, Albania has supported EU sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, further cementing its commitment to EU policies.
Ambition for Full EU Membership by 2027:
The Albanian government has set an ambitious goal of completing its EU negotiations by the end of 2027, aiming for full membership by the close of the decade. This objective aligns with Albania’s broader strategy to deepen its integration into the EU, focusing on achieving key reforms in governance and the economy.
EU Council Conclusions:
During the meeting of the General Affairs Council on December 17, ministers will adopt conclusions regarding Albania’s progress, as well as that of other countries in the enlargement process. These conclusions will later be confirmed by the European Council on December 19, during a summit with EU heads of state and government.
The EU is expected to welcome Albania’s significant progress in areas like freedom of expression, media protection, and anti-corruption efforts. These conclusions will encourage Albania to continue its reform efforts, particularly in public administration and the fight against organized crime.
