Albania’s government has approved changes to the composition and responsibilities of the country’s negotiating team for European Union membership.

The Council of Ministers adopted the decision today. It amends the previous decision of May 6, 2020, by redistributing responsibilities across several negotiation chapters and appointing new members to the team.

The changes affect several institutions, including the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Economy and Innovation, Finance, and Health and Social Welfare. They also involve the Competition Authority and the Financial Supervisory Authority.

Under the new decision, Tana Kika becomes co-negotiator for Chapter 12, alongside Arian Jaupllari.

Meanwhile, Enkelejd Musabelliu takes responsibility for Chapters 1 and 6. He will also continue as co-negotiator for Chapters 28 and 30.

At the Ministry of Finance, Andi Memeti becomes the lead negotiator for Chapters 32 and 33. He will also serve as co-negotiator for Chapter 4. Meanwhile, Blerta Rama has been removed from the list of negotiators.

The government has also introduced changes in the health sector. Denada Seferi becomes co-negotiator for Chapter 19, while Eugena Tomini joins the team as co-negotiator for Chapter 28.

For Chapter 8, Denar Biba and Mario Keputa will serve as co-negotiators. Natasha Ahmetaj will take on the same role for Chapters 4 and 17.

The government has also revised responsibilities in the financial sector. Endrit Yzeiraj, who already serves as lead negotiator for the economic criterion and Chapters 16 and 29, will also become co-negotiator for Chapters 9 and 17. Adela Xhemali will take on the role of co-negotiator for Chapter 9.

Another important change concerns Chapter 22. Oltjon Muzaka, Deputy Minister of Interior, has been appointed lead negotiator for this chapter, replacing Ervin Demo.

The negotiating team and the relevant institutions will oversee the implementation of the decision. It takes effect immediately and will be published in the Official Gazette.

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