TIRANA, January 20 – State Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka stated that Albania must meet all conditions for closing negotiations with the European Union by 2027.

Earlier today, she held a joint press conference with Adea Pirdeni, State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, and Toni Gogu, State Minister for Relations with Parliament. The ministers informed citizens about what to expect in 2026 regarding EU aspirations, negotiations, and preparation for membership.

Dhuka explained that Albania opened negotiations for 33 chapters in 2025. In addition, the country opened negotiations for the last five chapters on 17 November.

She noted that 2026 will be particularly important. It will mark a milestone in Albania’s path toward EU membership.

Dhuka said that Albania will work intensively to enter the phase of closing negotiations for a significant number of chapters. She added that the country aims to complete all preparations by 2027. In negotiation terms, this refers to fulfilling the conditions for closing negotiations.

She emphasized that the process is highly complex. However, it remains very positive for Albania’s European transformation. This includes reforms in the state, the economy, and public services.

Dhuka pointed out that Albania joined the euro payment zone, SEPA, in 2025. She explained that SEPA enabled bank transactions from Albania to EU countries with much lower fees. It also reduced transaction times significantly.

She added that between opening and closing negotiations, Albania will need to demonstrate political will for European reforms. In addition, the country will have to show institutional, technical, and practical capacity in public services and citizens’ daily lives.

Dhuka explained that Albania will prepare through reforms and improvements based on European law, known as the EU acquis. She said the country must also follow best practices of EU member states and European court guidelines.

She noted that in negotiation terms, this capacity test is called fulfilling interim conditions. It measures progress between opening and closing negotiations.

Dhuka emphasized that the key area for this test is the rule of law. She added that success depends on both the capacity of institutions and the political will of all political forces in Albania.

Dhuka emphasized that the key area for this test is the rule of law. She added that success depends on both the capacity of institutions and the political will of all political forces in Albania.

/a.p./