TIRANA, Feb 10 /ATA/ Chapter 27 of the European Union accession negotiations is widely regarded as one of the most demanding for all candidate countries, owing to the extensive legislative requirements, the high number of directives, and the substantial financial resources necessary to implement EU standards.
During today’s press conference, Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj provided a detailed overview of Chapter 27, which addresses environmental protection and climate change matters.
We are discussing investments that are projected to require billions of euros over the next 15 years. To illustrate the complexity of Chapter 27, I would like to emphasize that it encompasses 10 main subchapters. This chapter includes 75 acts, divided into 46 directives and 29 regulations, and when their implementing acts are also considered, the total number exceeds 400. Of the 75 acts being monitored, 12 were approved by the European Commission after 2021. Therefore, even for the EU itself, this process involves significant new developments,” Jaupaj stated.
According to him, the work on this chapter has become a top priority for the Ministry of Environment and other involved institutions.
Jaupaj emphasized that the EU integration process and the enforcement of Chapter 27 will not impose any additional costs on Albanian businesses.
He noted that during negotiations with the European Commission, Albania has requested and justified sufficient transitional periods to allow the private sector adequate time to align with the new environmental standards.
“I want to assure the business community that, during the EU accession negotiations, we have requested and justified sufficient transitional periods for the private sector. This will provide companies with the necessary time to align their technologies with the acquis communautaire and avoid any penalties upon Albania’s EU membership. The next two years will focus on intensive policy making and legislative alignment. The Ministry has committed to drafting monthly legislative packages, which will undergo public consultation and assessment by the European Commission’s technical experts to ensure concordance with EU environmental standards,” said Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj.
According to Jaupaj, the aim is for the transition to EU standards to be just, manageable, and predictable, while simultaneously protecting the environment, public health, and the competitiveness of the Albanian economy.
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