TIRANA, Aug 10 /ATA/ Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj described the first half of 2026 as a period marked by significant challenges and strategic tasks, stressing that European integration remains a key priority for the Ministry of Finance.
In a statement, Yzeiraj said that despite the heavy workload this year, Albania’s integration into the European Union remains a “historic mission”, with work continuing at a rapid pace to meet the commitments arising from the accession negotiations.
In a statement, Yzeiraj said that despite the demanding workload this year, Albania’s EU integration remains a “historic mission”, with efforts continuing apace to meet the commitments stemming from the accession negotiations.
The first half of 2026 has been a demanding period, marked by challenges, tasks and strategic objectives. But amid this heavy workload lies a historic mission: European integration,” he said.
Yzeiraj said Albania had completed negotiations on the first three chapters, while institutions were continuing efforts to meet the conditions and standards set out in the remaining chapters.
“As 2026 passes its halfway point and many of us are rightly planning to spend some time on holiday with our loved ones, it is also time to look back and reflect on some of the achievements of the year so far,” the deputy minister said.
He specifically highlighted Chapters 16 and 29, covering taxation and the customs union, respectively, underscoring the scale of work carried out so far.
“Just for the two chapters under my responsibility, Chapters 16 and 29, covering taxation and customs, initial drafts have already been prepared for more than 20 pieces of legislation, while work is underway to develop 50 electronic and digital systems for transmitting data to the European Commission,” Yzeiraj said.
“We aim to close both chapters next year, which shows that the work has not only continued but is moving at an increasingly faster pace,” he stressed.
The deputy finance minister also praised the contribution of the public administration and agencies involved in the process, expressing gratitude to the staff working to meet the requirements related to Albania’s European integration.
“My deepest gratitude goes to the staff of the ministry and our agencies involved in this process, which is both challenging and essential to our shared future,” Yzeiraj said.
Albania’s EU accession negotiations require the alignment of national legislation with the acquis communautaire, the strengthening of administrative capacity, and the development of the systems needed to implement and monitor European standards.
In this context, the Ministry of Finance’s work on taxation and customs involves not only aligning legislation with EU rules, but also developing digital infrastructure and information-sharing mechanisms with European institutions.
Meeting these obligations is intended to advance Albania to the next stages of the accession negotiations and towards the closure of the relevant chapters, in line with the strategic goal of joining the European Union.
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