Albania’s EU accession negotiations took centre stage at an interparliamentary conference in Tirana. The event focused on reforms and membership obligations. It also examined the role of parliaments in European integration. The conference, titled “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession,” brings together lawmakers and officials from across Europe.

During Session II, “Enlargement as a Merit-Based Process and a Driver of Stability and Security,” Albania’s Chief Negotiator, Majlinda Dhuka, presented the latest progress in the talks. She also stressed the need to meet all accession obligations. Meanwhile, Albana Vokshi, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, highlighted Parliament’s role in the integration process. She also called for a more inclusive approach.

Marcin Bosacki, State Secretary at Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the strategic importance of EU enlargement. He also reaffirmed Poland’s support for Western Balkan integration. For her part, Ines Muçostepa, President of the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Albania, focused on the economic impact of EU integration. She also highlighted new opportunities for Albanian businesses.

Session III focused on “The Role of Parliaments in the EU Enlargement Process.” Rasa Budbergytė, Deputy Speaker of Lithuania’s Parliament, shared her country’s experience of European integration. She also discussed the role of Parliament throughout that process.

Meanwhile, Agron Gjekmarkaj, Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, stressed the importance of democratic oversight. He highlighted Parliament’s role in monitoring reforms and supporting political dialogue. Bora Muzhaqi, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, focused on legislative alignment with the EU acquis. She also highlighted Parliament’s support for the integration process.

In addition, Tatiana Mrazikova, the European Parliament representative for the Western Balkans, stressed the value of parliamentary cooperation. She also called for greater exchanges of experience and best practices.

At the end of the conference, Igli Hasani, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, thanked all participants. He also presented the main conclusions of the discussions. The conclusions called for stronger interparliamentary dialogue and cooperation. They also stressed the need for continued reforms and compliance with European standards.

Furthermore, participants highlighted the role of parliaments in Albania’s EU integration process. They also discussed the accession efforts of other candidate countries.

The conference runs in Tirana from 27 to 29 September 2026. It brings together representatives of EU member states, candidate countries, and potential candidate countries.

The event aims to raise awareness of Albania’s progress towards EU membership. It also seeks to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and support for the integration process. In addition, participants are discussing closer partnerships with candidate countries. The conference also gives European affairs committees a platform to exchange views and recommendations.

Discussions focus on the progress of EU enlargement. They also cover the experiences and challenges of candidate countries. Finally, participants are examining the role of parliaments in advancing European integration.

The talks support Albania’s strategic goal of completing accession negotiations by 2027 and joining the European Union by 2030.