TIRANA, July 14 – Albania is taking another important step in its European integration process as the 9th Albania–European Union Intergovernmental Conference takes place in Brussels today.

Prime Minister Edi Rama will lead the Albanian delegation at the meeting. Earlier, he attended events in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, including a working dinner focused on support for Ukraine and the French National Day military parade.

Meanwhile, Rama will travel to Brussels to attend the conference, which will begin at around 19:00 at the European Council. Albania is expected to officially close 3 negotiation chapters for the first time.

The chapters include Chapter 25 “Science and Research”, Chapter 26 “Education and Culture” and Chapter 30 “External Relations”. The milestone marks Albania’s transition from opening negotiation chapters to closing them.

In addition, Rama is expected to address representatives of EU member states. The meeting will also include Ireland’s Foreign Minister, as the country holds the EU Council presidency, and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. A joint press conference is planned after the meeting.

The closure of the 3 chapters takes place during Ireland’s EU Council presidency, which continues until December 31. Albanian authorities aim to continue closing chapters according to the agreed timetable with Brussels until 2027.

/a.p./