Unprecedented Progress in EU Negotiations

Albania has been experiencing an unprecedented momentum in its EU accession process since October 2024, with the EU opening four clusters of negotiation chapters—covering twenty-four out of thirty-three chapters—in just a few months.

The remarkable progress began on 15 October 2024 with the opening of Cluster 1 on Fundamentals, followed by Cluster 6 on External Relations in December. In 2025, the country continued its advancement by opening Cluster 2 on Internal Market in April and Cluster 3 on Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth on 22 May.

Strategic Timeline and Reforms

Tirana has set an ambitious goal to complete negotiations by 2027, with full membership targeted for 2030. This determination was highlighted during the fourth Accession Conference at ministerial level in Luxembourg, where Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his commitment to fulfilling all duties within this ambitious calendar.

While the European Parliament welcomes Albania’s progress and timeline, MEPs emphasize the urgent need to intensify reforms, particularly in strengthening judicial independence, combating corruption and organised crime, and protecting fundamental rights.

Financial Support and Regional Impact

To support its reform journey, Albania received €64.5 million in pre-financing in April 2025, including €30 million in concessional loans. The country is expected to benefit from nearly €1 billion in EU support over the next decade.

Albania’s advancement is attributed to several factors. As a NATO member fully aligned with the EU’s Common and Foreign Security Policy, the country is viewed as a reliable pro-Western security anchor in the region. Its significant influence extends to neighboring areas where ethnic Albanians maintain a strong presence.

Looking Ahead

Currently, only nine chapters remain unopened, distributed between Cluster 4 on Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity and Cluster 5 on Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion. Prime Minister Rama’s ambitious timeline for EU membership by 2030 has received positive acknowledgment from EU leadership, with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, affirming that Albania’s future lies within the EU.