TIRANA, May 31 /ATA/ – Albania has entered the final phase of its European Union accession journey after opening the stage for closing negotiation chapters, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday, describing it as the most significant milestone yet in the country’s bid to join the bloc.
Speaking on the latest episode of his “Let’s Talka” podcast, the government head highlighted progress in the EU integration process and reiterated the government’s goal of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2027.
Rama noted that on May 26 Albania completed the phase of opening negotiation chapters and moved into the chapter-closing stage, which he described as the final stretch toward full EU membership.
“Albania has reached the highest point in its European journey so far. The summit we aim to reach together, where we will raise the Albanian flag as a full member of the European family, is now closer than ever before,” he said.
The Premier described the development as a recognition of years of reforms and institutional transformation.
“This is a highly meaningful moment on the road to membership and a clear validation of sustained work carried out over many years. It is a source of satisfaction, but also of significant responsibility,” Rama said.
He stressed that the accession process extends beyond negotiations, encompassing the consolidation of the rule of law, democratic institutions and equality before the law.
“This is not merely a milestone in the negotiation process or another date on the integration calendar. It reflects the deep transformations Albania has undertaken over the past decade, the implementation of difficult reforms, and the establishment of functioning institutions. At the same time, it underscores the need to further strengthen the rule of law, individual freedoms and equality before the law,” he said.
Referring to assessments by the European Union, Rama said Albania had successfully met its obligations in key areas, including justice reform, anti-corruption efforts and the functioning of democratic institutions.
“It is significant that the European Union has confirmed the successful fulfilment of all obligations to date, particularly in areas related to justice, the fight against corruption and the functioning of democratic institutions,” he said.
Rama acknowledged that the next phase would be the most demanding, but said Albania is working under a timetable agreed with the European Commission.
“The final phase is not the easiest; it is the most challenging. We have an agreed roadmap with the European Commission to successfully conclude negotiations by the end of 2027. We have a transitional period during 2028 and the strategic objective of securing Albania’s membership in the European Union by 2030,” Rama said.
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