At the conference, Albania and the EU provisionally closed Chapter 20 on enterprise and industrial policy. The chapter aims to help Albanian businesses grow, compete and create jobs. Kos stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises drive Albania’s economy and stand to benefit directly from the reforms.

Meanwhile, Albania continues to align its industrial policies with EU standards, particularly in new technologies, clean technology and plastics. These reforms will strengthen the economy and help local businesses compete in the EU single market.

Kos congratulated Albania’s institutions, public administration and citizens on the achievement. She also praised Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj for her role in the process.

However, Kos stressed that Albania must maintain its reform momentum, especially on the fundamentals of EU accession. She called on the government, opposition, civil society and citizens to work together, describing EU membership as a national project.

“Albania’s future is in the EU,” Kos said, adding that the latest progress had brought the country one step closer to membership.