TIRANA, Sept 21 /ATA/ Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi on Monday described European Union membership as Albania’s national strategic objective and the Parliament’s “top priority,” stressing that the country has now entered a decisive phase of the accession negotiations.
Peleshi addressed the 22nd meeting of the Albania–European Union Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee (SAPC), which is taking place at a significant stage on Albania’s path to EU membership.
Peleshi said that “EU membership is Albania’s national strategic objective, the country’s only path forward, and therefore the top priority of the Albanian Parliament.”
Highlighting progress made in 2026, he cited achievements under the first negotiating cluster, “Fundamentals,” and the closure of the first negotiating chapters. He said the next challenge is to move beyond adopting legislation and ensure that reforms are implemented effectively and deliver measurable results.
“A law is not good simply because it aligns with an EU directive; it must be effectively applicable, produce results, and contribute to citizens’ well-being,” Parliament Speaker said.
Parliament aims to strengthen oversight and accountability while ensuring that EU-related reforms address the needs of citizens and the economy. At the same time, Albania is preparing its institutions and public administration for the responsibilities and participation that will follow EU membership.
Peleshi highlighted parliamentary diplomacy as an important part of Albania’s EU integration strategy, with efforts to strengthen ties with EU member states and European institutions, including through a high-level interparliamentary conference in Tirana on September 28.
Highlighting the role of the Committee on European and Foreign Affairs, the National Council for European Integration, and the Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee (SAPC), Speaker of Parliament Peleshi stressed that Albania’s path toward EU membership requires concrete results and the fulfilment of its responsibilities.
“We are clear that the path to the EU membership is measured by results and the fulfilment of responsibilities. At the same time, we are convinced that our political and social commitment remains unwavering, and that the Albanian Parliament will remain at the forefront of this process,” Peleshi said.
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