TIRANA, July 10 /ATA/- The European Union’s Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) has approved the bloc’s Common Position for the provisional closure of negotiations on three chapters of Albania’s European Union accession process, the Media and Information Agency (MIA) said on Friday.
The decision covers Chapter 25 – Science and Research, Chapter 26 – Education and Culture, and Chapter 30 – External Relations, paving the way for their formal closure at the Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference scheduled for July 14 in Brussels.
According to MIA, the COREPER decision represents a political assessment by EU member states and the European Commission of Albania’s sustained progress in reforms, alignment with EU legislation and its capacity to meet accession requirements.
The agency said the move confirms Albania’s progress towards becoming a prepared candidate for the next stages of EU integration, highlighting the country’s efforts to advance the Albania 2030 European Agenda.
The provisional closure of Chapter 25 recognises progress in strengthening Albania’s research and innovation ecosystem, increasing investment in knowledge and technology development, implementing the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), and deepening integration into the European Research Area.
Chapter 26 acknowledges reforms in education and culture, including efforts to modernise education policies, improve quality and inclusion across education and vocational training, support youth development and align with European education objectives.
The closure of Chapter 30 reflects Albania’s alignment of its foreign relations and international agreements with EU policies, with MIA describing the country as a “reliable partner of the European Union.”
The July 14 Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels is expected to formally mark the provisional closure of the three chapters, taking Albania three steps closer to its strategic goal of EU membership within this decade.
MIA said the COREPER decision carries significance beyond the technical closure of negotiation chapters, representing a strong political signal of EU support for Albania’s European path and recognition of reforms aimed at strengthening institutions, the economy and the rule of law.
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