TIRANA, November 26 – EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato said that Albania has entered a crucial phase of the accession process. He noted that this phase follows the opening of all cluster chapters.

He told the “Parliamentary Research Day” event that the next stage will be decisive and more demanding. He stressed that closing negotiation chapters is harder than opening them.

Gonzato said that Albania now needs determination and strong capacity to adopt and implement deep reforms that align the country with EU standards and the acquis. He also said that this period requires focus and precision. According to him, all actors in society must contribute if Albania aims to close negotiations by the end of 2027.

He described the new stage as technically and politically complex. He underlined that parliament has a key role.

During the event, MPs, experts and international representatives discussed the role of parliament in the accession process and the value of research capacity in drafting laws.

Gonzato said that parliament is the forum where legislation is proposed, debated and approved. He added that parliament also monitors the implementation of laws.

He said that parliamentary research ensures quality in lawmaking and creates a data-based policy process. He argued that research strengthens legitimacy, improves effectiveness and increases transparency. He also said that it builds public trust in the integration process.

He added that EU accession requires broad political and social support. He stressed that government, opposition and civil society must take part.

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