President Bajram Begaj received the European Commission’s 2026 progress report on Albania from European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Thursday.

Begaj described the report as evidence of Albania’s progress towards European Union membership. He thanked the European Commission for its continued support and commitment to enlargement in the Western Balkans.

During the meeting, Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to concluding accession negotiations by 2027 and joining the European Union in 2030. He stressed the need to strengthen the rule of law, fight corruption and organised crime, and guarantee media freedom. He also highlighted the importance of effective institutions and democratic dialogue.

Begaj described these priorities as essential to achieving Albania’s strategic goal of European Union membership.
The meeting took place as the European Commission presented its annual assessment of Albania’s progress towards membership. The report outlines the country’s achievements and the challenges that remain on its path to accession.

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