EUROPEAN INTEGRATION – ALBANIA’S MAIN PRIORITY
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.
On 19 July 2022, Albania held the First Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union, which marked the official opening of accession negotiations.
In November 2023, Albania successfully completed the screening process for six thematic groups in Brussels. The screening process lasted 14 months, during which 777 presentations were held with the involvement of over 1500 Albanian experts and 1000 European Commission experts. Since 2022, a total of 300 explanatory and bilateral meetings have been held to review the compatibility of national legislation with the EU acquis.
On 15 October 2024, Albania held the Second Intergovernmental Conference with the EU, which marked the opening of Chapter Group 1 – Foundations, a historic achievement for our country on the path of European integration.
On 17 December 2024, Albania held its third intergovernmental conference with the EU and proceeded with the opening of Chapter Group 6 – External Relations, which marked significant progress within a European Semester and the Hungarian Presidency.
On 14 April 2025, Albania held its third intergovernmental conference with the EU and proceeded with the opening of Chapter Group 2 – Internal Market, which includes the free movement of goods, workers, capital and services.
Albania continues to work hard towards the goal of EU membership and is committed to closing all negotiation chapters by the end of 2027.
EU – Albania history (Timeline)
- 14 April 2025 – Fourth Intergovernmental Conference with the EU, Opening of Cluster 2: Internal Market
- 17 December 2024 – Third IGC with the EU, Opening of Cluster 6: External Relations
- 15 October 2024 – Second IGC with the EU, Opening of Cluster 1 – Fundamentals
- 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,.
- 27 June 2014 – EU Candidate Status for Albania
- 23 June 2010 – European Parliament adopts resolution on visa-free regime with Albania
- 28 April 2009 – Albania submits its application for EU membership
- 1 April 2009 – Entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA)
- 17 July 2006 – Council adopts a regulation establishing a new Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)
- 21 June 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 January 2003 – Negotiations for a SAA between the EU and Albania officially launched by the Commission President Prodi.
- 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.
