TIRANA, May 6 – The National Council for European Integration met today on Albania’s EU integration process. The session focused on the theme “Albania – in the final phase of the European path”. Members also approved the 2025 annual report and the 2026 activity plan.

Majlinda Dhuka, Minister of State and Chief Negotiator, described this moment as a key stage after the opening of accession negotiations. She said the process now requires deeper and faster implementation. In this context, she referred to Parliament, the government, and justice institutions, including the Special Structure against Corruption and Organised Crime, the Special Courts, the General Prosecutor’s Office, courts, and judicial councils. She said these bodies strengthened the rule of law and advanced reforms.

At the same time, Dhuka said Albania has entered a more demanding phase. She linked this phase to technical, economic, and social preparations for closing negotiations across 33 chapters. Meanwhile, she said the opening of negotiations reflected the political will of the European Union and its member states. As a result, she stressed a stronger focus on delivery and coordination.

In addition, she underlined the need to build institutions on European standards. She pointed to justice reform, economic alignment with the EU market, and rights protection under the European social model. Furthermore, she stressed closer coordination between state institutions, local government, and civil society.

Earlier in her remarks, Dhuka described the opening of all negotiating clusters within 13 months as a national achievement. She said it marked Albania’s shift from aspiration to concrete alignment with EU standards.

Finally, she added that Albania must demonstrate daily progress in meeting European standards throughout negotiations. She said the main challenge remains closing chapters with quality, credibility, and irreversible results, bringing the country closer to EU membership.

/a.p./