Albania towards EU

European Integration
EU integration is the greatest national objective that tops the political agenda of the Albanian government. Aware that Albania’s integration in the EU is the most efficient way to dynamic democratization, the government is taking concrete steps to fulfil key reforms to bring the prospect of EU membership closer. EU Integration is a crucial process that dictates concrete results, dialogue and partnership. Therefore, serious efforts are in place to ensure fulfilment of obligations.
We aim to apply a multifaceted cooperation with the conviction that success in the EU integration process means proper implementation of reforms and inclusiveness of all stakeholders: opposition, civil society, business community and interest groups. We strongly believe in concrete and open relations with our international partners that have been assisting us professionally and financially. We must accelerate towards finalization of this process that helps strengthen the rule of law and improve the life of Albanian citizens.
In November 2023, Albania successfully completed the screening process for six thematic clusters in Brussels. The screening process lasted 14 months, during which 777 presentations, took place with involvement of over 1500 Albanian experts and 1000 European Commission experts. A total of 300 explanatory and bilateral meetings on reviewing alignment of national legislation with EU acquis have been held since 2022. Completion of this process brings Albania closer to the European Union and makes the country more prepared for the next integration stages.
EU – Albania history (Timeline)
September 2022 – November 2023, Albania took another significant step on the path towards integration into the European Union as it completed the ‘Screening process’ as part of EU accession negotiations.
19 July 2022 – EU holds its first intergovernmental conference with Albania
24 March 2020 -ministers for European affairs gave their political agreement to the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. This was formally adopted by written procedure and endorsed by the European Council in the days that followed.
April 2018 – the European Commission issued a recommendation to open accession negotiations with Albania. In June 2018 the Council adopted conclusions, in which it agreed to respond positively to the progress made by Albania,.
09.11.2016 – In view of the (…) progress in meeting the key priorities and subject to credible and tangible progress in the implementation of the justice reform, in particular the revaluation of judges and prosecutors (vetting), the Commission recommends opening accession negotiations with Albania.
( http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2016/20161109_strategy… )
27.06.2014 – EU Candidate Status for Albania
23/06/2010 – European Parliament adopts resolution on visa-free regime with Albania
28/4/2009 – Albania submits its application for EU membership
1 April 2009 – Entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA)
17/7/2006 – Council adopts a regulation establishing a new Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). It simplifies and projects EU external aid over the pre-accession period. IPA replaces the existing instruments (PHARE, SPA, SAPARD, CARDS) since 1 January 2007.
12/6/2006 – Signature of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (and the Interim Agreement on Trade and Trade-related Matters) at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg
21/6/2003 – Thessaloniki European Council confirmed “the EU future” for the Western Balkans and paves the way for eligibility for instruments used by Member States.
31/1/2003 – Negotiations for a SAA between the EU and Albania officially launched by the Commission President Prodi.
5/1999 – The EU proposes the new Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) for five countries of South-Eastern Europe, including Albania. Albania becomes eligible for funding under CARDS.
1997 – The EU Council of Ministers establishes a regional approach, with political and economic conditions for the development of bilateral relations.
1992 – Trade and Co-operation Agreement between the EU and Albania. Albania becomes eligible for funding the Phare programme.
1991 – Diplomatic relations between Albania and the European Economic Community are established.