TIRANA, May 28/ATA/ Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj represented Albania at the CEFTA ministerial meeting in Brussels, outlining the 2026 incoming chairmanship list of priority to drive regional economic integration and alignment with the EU Single Market.
In her opening remarks, Minister Ibrahimaj appreciated that Albania has reached a pivotal milestone following the official confirmation of its Cluster 1 (Fundamentals) benchmarks at the 8th Accession Conference. This achievement paves the way to wrap up advanced technical talks, including Chapter 30 on international trade.
Minister Ibrahimaj During Albania’s 2026 CEFTA Chairmanship, the Minister highlighted CEFTA’s pivotal role in preparing the region for the EU Single Market in line with the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Albania’s agenda focuses on building a more connected region by cutting border delays, expanding digital infrastructure, aligning with EU standards, and boosting institutional collaboration.
Minister Ibrahimaj also emphasized the importance of advancing the SEED+ and Green Lanes initiatives, harmonizing working hours at border crossings, and the possibility of 24/7 operation at several strategic border crossings.
To boost regional digital transactions and paperless trade, Albania reaffirmed its commitment to mutually recognizing electronic signatures, seals, and product testing results.
Minister Ibrahimaj stressed that recognizing professional qualifications will unlock economic opportunities and ease worker mobility. She also thanked the European Commission and the CEFTA Secretariat for their continued support of the Albanian Chairmanship. /a.f/p.s./
