TIRANA, Oct. 12 /ATA/ – Albania is expected to provisionally close negotiations on Chapter 20, “Enterprise and Industrial Policy,” in Luxembourg on Tuesday, marking another step towards European Union membership.
The Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference is scheduled to take place following approval of the decision by representatives of EU member states in the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER). With this step, Albania will have provisionally closed four of the 33 negotiating chapters.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said on Monday that four intergovernmental conferences were planned with Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine, describing the development as evidence that the EU enlargement process was moving forward.
“Following the decision by the member states, we now have the prospect of holding four intergovernmental conferences with Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine. This will be the third time since June that four intergovernmental conferences have been held on the same occasion,” Kos said.
She stressed that the development sent a clear signal about the momentum behind EU enlargement
“This is a clear sign that the enlargement process is moving forward. The countries leading this process are delivering on their commitments, and we are doing our part,” Commissioner Kos said.
Chapter 20 covers policies aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and industrial development, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, improving the investment climate and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy.
/gj.m/j.p/u.sh/
