The Council of the European Union working group for enlargement and accession negotiations is reviewing Albania’s negotiating position on Chapter 20, “Enterprise and Industrial Policy,” in Brussels today. The chapter forms part of Cluster 3, “Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth.” The discussions aim to consolidate EU member states’ positions on its temporary closure.

Chapter 20 covers EU policies on enterprise and industry, including improving the business climate, strengthening competitiveness and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Meanwhile, the European Commission’s latest report assesses Albania’s preparation in this area as between moderate and good. It also notes progress through the revision of the Business and Investment Development Strategy.

The Council documents show that the Council Presidency has presented a compromise proposal for the draft EU Common Position on Chapter 20. The previous working group meeting did not reach the necessary agreement, while the Council had said the issue would return to the agenda on October 6. If the group reaches consensus, the procedure provides for a review by the Permanent Representatives Committee, known as COREPER, before the issue moves towards formalisation at an EU-Albania Intergovernmental Conference.

Albania has opened all EU accession negotiating chapters. It has so far provisionally closed three: Chapter 25, “Science and Research,” Chapter 26, “Education and Culture,” and Chapter 30, “External Relations.”

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