On May 26, 2026, the 8th Intergovernmental Conference at the ministerial level between the European Union and Albania took place in Brussels—a moment of particular significance in the country’s journey toward European Union membership.
The Albanian delegation was led by Prime Minister Edi Rama and included the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha; the Minister of State and Chief Negotiator, Majlinda Dhuka; the Minister of Interior, Besfort Lamallari; the Minister of Justice, Toni Gogu; the Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj; as well as several members of the negotiating team.
The conference welcomed and endorsed the European Commission’s report on the Interim Benchmarks (IBAR), according to which Albania has achieved a sufficient level of progress in Cluster 1, “Fundamentals.” At the same time, the conference adopted the European Union’s Common Position regarding the closing benchmarks for this cluster.
This development is good news for Albania and all Albanians. It marks a historic moment and represents another milestone in Albania’s European integration process. In particular, it marks the recognition of the steady progress Albania has achieved in implementing key reforms—reforms that are fundamental both to strengthening the country’s democracy and institutions and to advancing its path toward European Union membership. These reforms encompass strengthening the rule of law, consolidating democratic governance, judicial reform, raising security standards, protecting fundamental rights, and enhancing institutional accountability. They constitute the essence of any functioning democracy, the foundations upon which the European Union is built, and the basis of the vision for a European Albania.
The outcomes of this meeting further consolidate the country’s European path, strengthen our partners’ confidence in Albania’s political will and institutional capacity, and represent a significant investment toward achieving the strategic goal of full European Union membership within this decade.
Albania is the first country in the current enlargement process to reach this milestone under the European Union’s new methodology, thereby paving the way for the next phase of negotiations: the closing of chapters. The next phase of negotiations will require even greater commitment, closer and more efficient inter-institutional coordination, and intensified efforts from all structures and negotiating groups. It will demand the sustained momentum and acceleration of reforms, as well as the full implementation of commitments undertaken.
At the same time, it will require additional energy and effort from both the negotiating team and other domestic stakeholders—in cooperation with our European partners—to successfully meet the obligations associated with closing chapters and to advance steadily toward full European Union membership; a goal for which Albania is fully aware, prepared, and remains deeply committed.
While commending the negotiating team and all those involved, the Ministry expressed its gratitude to our European partners, Commissioner Kos and her team, the Cypriot Presidency, and all member states for their close cooperation, understanding, and continued support.
