State Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka announced today that Albania is at a key moment in its path to European Union membership. Moreover, she noted that 2025 marked a historic milestone with the opening of negotiations across all 33 chapters.

Speaking at the extended meeting of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group and government cabinet at the Palace of Brigades, Dhuka said that opening all chapters represents an unprecedented achievement for the country.

In fact, she stated, “In 2025, Albania opened negotiations in all 33 chapters. This step creates a wide door for discussions and moves us closer to EU membership.”

Dhuka emphasized that this opportunity reflects “the clearest political support from all 27 EU member states.” Furthermore, she added, “We move forward in every step alongside the European Commission, which provides strong support.”

She acknowledged that some may find this development surprising. However, it is the result of systematic daily work, especially over the last five years following the European Commission’s positive recommendation in 2019.

Therefore, she said, “This historic leap demonstrates the country’s capacity, our institutions, and our professionals. It shows the unwavering political will to achieve a European Albania by 2030.”

She described EU integration as a shared mission and thanked deputies for their cooperation in 2025.

Dhuka highlighted that in the past 14 months, Albania passed 75 transformative laws and bylaws. These reforms include justice, crime and corruption prevention, security, social equality, and human rights.

“All 75 laws were carefully discussed and aligned with the European Commission’s recommendations and EU legal standards,” she added.

According to Dhuka, Parliament has mandated European standards across key legislative packages. For example, these include changes to the Penal Code, justice system reforms, laws on psychotropic substances, anti-drug legislation, export controls, arms trafficking prevention, and the Asset Recovery Office law.

She also noted progress in anti-corruption measures. In addition, Albania passed laws on conflict of interest, whistleblower protection, and lobbying.

“For the first time, Albania regulates lobbying in legislation. Meanwhile, we are also preparing a new law on donations and sponsorships to prevent corruption,” Dhuka said.

The minister underlined justice sector progress, especially through SPAK and GJKKO, in fighting crime and corruption. Consequently, “In 2025, justice institutions strengthened and consolidated results in both investigations and criminal trials,” she added.

Regarding EU negotiations, Dhuka explained that Albania must meet about 101 closing benchmarks across all 33 chapters. Next, she said, “We have already started this work. In 2026, we will prepare new legislative packages in key economic and market areas.”

For business and commercial companies, a package of nine draft laws is under consultation with the European Commission. Additionally, in consumer protection, a draft law will establish a dedicated agency.

For services, Albania has drafted legislation aligned with EU standards, which will soon be presented to Parliament. Finally, Dhuka concluded, “This is crucial because it will boost Albania’s service exports to the EU. The potential is enormous.”