TIRANA, Oct. 9 /ATA/ – EU member states have approved holding an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, where the country is expected to provisionally close negotiations on Chapter 20, covering enterprise and industrial policy, the Media and Information Agency (MIA) said on Friday.
The decision was approved by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) and reflects a positive assessment by the European Commission and member states of Albania’s reform progress in industry and entrepreneurship, MIA said.
Chapter 20 – enterprise and industrial policy – covers policies aimed at creating a more competitive, innovative and sustainable business environment. It includes support for small and medium-sized enterprises, improving investment conditions and strengthening the economy’s ability to integrate into the EU single market.
The chapter also addresses innovation, digitalisation, the green transition, entrepreneurial skills and private-sector productivity, in line with EU policies and practices.
Its provisional closure would confirm progress in developing the strategic, institutional and regulatory framework for industrial policy and entrepreneurship, the agency said, adding that the milestone would send a positive signal to investors, businesses and international partners.
For Albanian businesses and citizens, the progress could open up further opportunities for investment, innovation, economic growth and employment as the country moves closer to the EU single market.
Chapter 20 would become the fourth negotiating chapter provisionally closed by Albania in three months, once the decision is formalised on October 13.
The decision also signals continued political support for Albania’s accession process and confidence in its institutions as the country pursues its goal of joining the EU by 2030.
Albania remains committed to continuing reforms in close cooperation with EU institutions and member states, the agency said.
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