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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According to official Council of the European Union documents, Chapter 20 is part of Cluster 3, “Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth,” and Albania’s negotiating position on the chapter is under consideration by COELA.

The discussions are aimed at consolidating EU member states’ position on the provisional closure of the chapter in Albania’s accession talks.

Chapter 20 covers EU policies on enterprise and industry, including improving the business environment, competitiveness and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

In its latest report on Albania, the European Commission assessed the country as being moderately to well prepared in the area of enterprise and industrial policy and noted progress, particularly through the revision of the Business and Investment Development Strategy.

Council documents also show that the Council presidency has submitted a compromise proposal for the draft EU Common Position on Chapter 20 as part of Albania’s accession negotiations.

The COELA review is part of the decision-making process among EU member states before the issue proceeds to the next stages of the accession procedure.

At the previous COELA meeting, the necessary agreement for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 had not yet been reached. The Council had said the issue would return to the agenda on Oct. 6.

If consensus is reached in COELA, the matter is expected to move to the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) before further formalisation at an EU-Albania Intergovernmental Conference.

Albania has opened all negotiating chapters in its EU accession talks. So far, three chapters have been provisionally closed: Chapter 25, “Science and Research”; Chapter 26, “Education and Culture”; and Chapter 30, “External Relations”.

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