Peleshi met Tomio Okamura, speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Miloš Vystrčil, president of the Czech Senate, as part of a parliamentary diplomacy tour of EU partner countries.

The meetings highlighted strong bilateral relations, underpinned by traditional friendship, continued political dialogue and shared European values. Both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation, particularly through closer parliamentary ties and exchanges between institutions, as well as stronger links in the economy, tourism and education.

Peleshi welcomed the Czech Republic’s continued support for Albania’s EU accession and its backing for a merit-based enlargement process, stressing that political support from member states was particularly important at this critical stage of negotiations.

He said Albania remains committed to implementing the necessary reforms and achieving its strategic goal of EU membership.

The talks also addressed the European prospects of the Western Balkans and the role of the Visegrad Group countries in supporting the region’s integration. Both sides stressed the importance of parliamentary coordination in keeping EU enlargement high on Europe’s political agenda.

On bilateral parliamentary cooperation, Peleshi called for more frequent contacts between parliamentary leaders, committees and friendship groups. He welcomed the resumption of activities by the Czech-Albanian Friendship Group in the Chamber of Deputies and expressed interest in expanding exchanges, particularly between committees dealing with European affairs and foreign policy.

The two sides also highlighted opportunities to share institutional expertise and best practices, and to strengthen links between citizens and local communities.

They reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation, underlining the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting peace, security and stability in the region.

A more integrated and cooperative Western Balkans, they said, was in the common interest of the region and essential to a more united and secure Europe.

1 of 8

/gj.m/r.e/a.f/u.sh/

In a social media post, Hoxha said the anniversary was an opportunity for Albania to reaffirm its European aspirations and its ambition to join the EU, take on the responsibilities of membership and help shape the continent’s future.

“Our European identity has deep roots. Today, through domestic reforms and increasingly strong partnerships across Europe, we are gradually turning our European ambition into reality. Our path is clear. Our future is European, and European alone,” Hoxha said.

The Maastricht Treaty, formally known as the Treaty on European Union, was signed in the Dutch city of Maastricht on Feb. 7, 1992, and entered into force on Nov. 1, 1993.

It established the European Union, transforming the European Economic Community (EEC) into a broader political and economic union.

/m.q/r.e/u.sh/

In a message, Dhuka said protests and citizens’ voices should prompt reflection on the European Albania the country seeks to build, where citizens are heard, institutions are respected and the rule of law prevails over any individual interest.

“The European Union is our destination – the European family is where we belong, every day, including today,” Dhuka said.

She stressed that belonging to the European family means not only having the right to express opinions and speak out, but also respecting the law and maintaining dialogue among citizens despite their differences.

“Being European means having the courage to speak out, the wisdom to respect the law and the strength not to turn our differences into distance between us,” the chief negotiator said.

She added that Albania’s place in the European family was rooted in its citizens’ aspirations and the values the country chose to embrace every day.

“Today, we are closer than ever to fulfilling our more than 30-year-old European aspiration. This is a historic moment for everyone,” Dhuka said, calling for cooperation and dialogue on the path towards EU membership.

/gj.m/r.e/u.sh/

The move would bring to four the number of negotiation chapters provisionally closed by Albania, as the country presses ahead with its accession process and aims to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027.

Chapter 20 covers enterprise development, industrial policy, business support, innovation and efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of the Albanian economy.

First EU-Albania Intergovernmental Conference

The first EU-Albania Intergovernmental Conference was held on July 19, 2022, formally launching accession negotiations with Albania.

It followed the decision by the EU General Affairs Council on March 25, 2020, to open accession negotiations, endorsed by the European Council on March 26, 2020. On July 18, 2022, the Council approved the negotiating framework for Albania in line with the revised enlargement methodology.

Second Intergovernmental Conference

The second conference took place on October 15, 2024, opening negotiations on Cluster 1, “Fundamentals.”

The cluster covers democratic institutions, public administration reform, Chapter 23 on the judiciary and fundamental rights, and Chapter 24 on justice, freedom and security. It also includes the economic criteria-related chapters on public procurement (Chapter 5), statistics (Chapter 18) and financial control (Chapter 32).

Third Intergovernmental Conference

Held on December 17, 2024, the third conference opened negotiations on Cluster 6, “External Relations”, covering Chapter 30 on external relations and Chapter 31 on foreign, security and defence policy.

Fourth Intergovernmental Conference

The fourth conference, held on April 14, 2025, opened negotiations on Cluster 2, “Internal Market”.

The cluster comprises nine chapters covering the free movement of goods (Chapter 1), freedom of movement for workers (Chapter 2), the right of establishment and freedom to provide services (Chapter 3), free movement of capital (Chapter 4), company law (Chapter 6), intellectual property law (Chapter 7), competition policy (Chapter 8), financial services (Chapter 9), and consumer and health protection (Chapter 28).

Fifth Intergovernmental Conference

The fifth conference was held in Brussels on May 22, 2025, opening negotiations on Cluster 3, “Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth”.

The cluster includes digital transformation and media (Chapter 10), taxation (Chapter 16), economic and monetary policy (Chapter 17), social policy and employment (Chapter 19), enterprise and industrial policy (Chapter 20), science and research (Chapter 25), education and culture (Chapter 26), and the customs union (Chapter 29).

Sixth Intergovernmental Conference

Held on September 16, 2025, the sixth conference opened negotiations on Cluster 4, “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity”.

The cluster covers transport policy (Chapter 14), energy (Chapter 15), trans-European networks (Chapter 21), and environment and climate change (Chapter 27). These areas are central to the country’s economic development and affect citizens’ daily lives.

Seventh Intergovernmental Conference

At the seventh conference, held on November 17, 2025, Albania opened negotiations on Cluster 5, “Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion”.

The cluster includes agriculture and rural development (Chapter 11), food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy (Chapter 12), fisheries and aquaculture (Chapter 13), regional policy and coordination of structural instruments (Chapter 22), and financial and budgetary provisions (Chapter 33).

This was the last negotiating cluster Albania opened on its path towards EU membership.

Eighth Intergovernmental Conference

Held on May 26, 2026, the eighth conference formally paved the way for Albania to enter the stage of provisionally closing accession negotiations.

The meeting followed a decision by the EU member states’ Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER), confirming that the interim benchmarks for Cluster 1, “Fundamentals”, had been met and setting the closing benchmarks for Chapter 23 on the judiciary and fundamental rights and Chapter 24 on justice, freedom and security.

Ninth Intergovernmental Conference

The ninth conference, held on July 14, 2026, marked another milestone in Albania’s accession process, with the provisional closure of the first three negotiating chapters: Chapter 25, “Science and Research”; Chapter 26, “Education and Culture”; and Chapter 30, “External Relations”.

With the 10th conference scheduled for October 13, 2026, Albania is expected to provisionally close Chapter 20, bringing the total number of provisionally closed chapters to four as it continues towards its target of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2027.

/gj.m/j.p/u.sh/

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.

/gj.m/j.p/u.sh/

Speaking at an interparliamentary conference on EU enlargement and Albania’s accession, Moreira de Sousa said enlargement was not simply a series of negotiations between governments but a political project involving institutions and society.

“Enlargement is not simply negotiations between governments. It is a political project, a process of transforming institutions and society,” she said.

She highlighted Albania’s tangible progress in judicial reform and the rule of law, including the completion of the vetting process for judges and prosecutors and the establishment and strengthening of independent justice institutions.

She also pointed to progress in legislation covering human rights, gender equality, protection from gender-based violence, children’s rights, non-discrimination and data protection, as well as economic and structural reforms supported through the EU Growth Plan.

“The accession process not only prepares Albania for future EU membership, but also helps Albanian citizens. It is absolutely crucial for citizens to feel the transformative impact that EU membership brings,” she said.

The EU Ambassador said the process would become more demanding as Albania moved closer to membership, stressing that adopting legislation was only one part of the process.

“Implementation of reforms is an indispensable part of the process,” she said, calling for institutions to function independently and sustainably and for reforms to deliver lasting results, particularly in the rule of law and democratic institutions.

She also stressed the role of parliament in scrutinising legislation, overseeing the executive, representing citizens and providing space for political debate.

“Parliament is indispensable to a successful accession process, not only because it adopts legislation aligned with EU law, but because its role goes much further,” she said.

Moreira de Sousa said Albania’s ambitious reform timetable should not come at the expense of quality, parliamentary oversight, transparency or consultation.

“The accession process only has meaning when citizens can see what the European Union means for their everyday lives,” she said.

/gj.m/a.f/u.sh/

Speaking at an interparliamentary conference on the EU enlargement agenda and Albania’s accession, Peleshi said European integration remained the country’s top priority.

He highlighted parliament’s role in parliamentary diplomacy and in strengthening relations with European institutions and the parliaments of EU member states.

“Enlargement remains the noblest mission of the European family. It aligns Europe’s political and economic borders with its natural, historical and cultural borders. Today, in a new geopolitical and strategic context, with acute challenges to security and peace, the European Union is more important than ever as a guarantee of stability,” Peleshi said.

“On this trajectory, Albania’s compass remains unchanged. We have only one plan, and that is the European Union. Our objective is absolutely clear: to conclude technical negotiations by the end of 2027 and achieve full membership within this decade,” he said.

Peleshi also pointed to strong public support for EU integration. He said more than 91% of Albanians supported EU membership, citing Eurobarometer data.

“For us, this is not simply a political achievement, but a legacy rooted in the DNA of our national renaissance. Our national revival thinkers always saw Albania as an integral part of European civilisation. Today, that legacy is reflected in the overwhelming popular support of Albanian citizens,” he said.

Peleshi said the public backing was both an inspiration and a responsibility for Albanian institutions to continue reforms and meet the obligations arising from the integration process.

He said the enlargement process should not remain confined to institutional negotiations but should involve greater participation by citizens and communities.

Peleshi also said Albania had continued to align its foreign and security policies with those of the EU, describing the country’s policy as “100% aligned” with the bloc.

“Albania’s foreign and security policy is 100% aligned with that of the European Union. Albania’s contributions to EU-led operations and missions are significant,” he said.

Albania continues to contribute to EU-led operations and missions and remains a partner of NATO and the United States as part of its Euro-Atlantic commitments, Peleshi said.

“Albania is a committed partner of NATO and the United States, with significant commitments in the Euro-Atlantic area. It serves as an anchor of stability and a force multiplier for security in the region and across the European continent,” he said.

/m.q/a.f/u.sh/

The discussions focused on political and security developments in the Western Balkans, challenges facing the region and the need for closer coordination to support peace, stability and security.

In a post on social media platform X, Foreign Minister said he and the EU foreign policy chief had stressed the importance of giving concrete substance to the EU perspective for the entire region, maintaining momentum in the bloc’s enlargement process and advancing reforms.

They also discussed the importance of firmly anchoring the Western Balkans within the European framework, Hoxha said.

“Albania remains fully committed to its ongoing EU accession process and to contributing constructively to regional cooperation and a stronger, more united and secure Europe,” he said.

/m.q/j.p/u.sh/

In a joint statement, the committee said its members discussed Albania’s parliament and its role in the EU accession process, the rule of law and fight against organised crime and corruption, the economy, tourism and sustainable development, fundamental rights and media freedom, as well as good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation.

The members of the two delegations welcomed Albania’s political commitment to EU membership, describing it as essential to the country’s progress and reflecting broad national support among citizens and political parties.

They also welcomed Albania’s completion, within a record period, of the opening of negotiations on all six EU acquis clusters, as well as the provisional closure of three negotiating chapters.

The committee noted Albania’s strategic goal of completing accession negotiations by the end of 2027 and encouraged continued efforts to advance the process.

Discussions focused on the European Commission’s 2025 Albania Report and its 2026 Rule of Law Report, the European Parliament resolution of June 17, 2026, which received broad support from MEPs, and OSCE/ODIHR recommendations following Albania’s parliamentary elections.

The committee urged Albanian institutions to implement the recommendations contained in those documents in order to maintain momentum towards EU membership.

Talks also focused on the active role of Albania’s parliament in the accession process and the MEPs encouraged both the governing majority and opposition, while respecting their political differences, to strengthen cooperation and mutual trust on what they described as an issue of national interest.

The statement also welcomed Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy, including its response to global challenges, the imposition of sanctions and support for international efforts.

The committee discussed the continued implementation of Albania’s justice reform, which it said had strengthened judicial independence, transparency and accountability and contributed to improving the rule of law.

“We discussed the need to fill vacancies in the judicial system and reduce the backlog of cases, as well as the importance of avoiding any political interference in judicial appointments and promotions, in line with international standards to ensure a fully independent and effective judiciary,” the statement said.

Members also discussed the results achieved by Albania’s specialised anti-corruption bodies, including the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK), and called for their independence to be preserved.

They also stressed the need to continue protecting freedom of expression and media pluralism, including journalists from political and economic pressure, which they described as essential to strengthening democracy.

Referring to their visit to Vlora and Zvërnec area, the committee welcomed the positive development of Albania’s tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth, while stressing the country’s obligation to align its environmental legislation with the EU acquis under Chapter 27, particularly regarding protected areas of recognised ecological value.

The statement also highlighted Albania’s role in regional stability and its efforts to promote good-neighbourly relations in Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans.

Members reviewed Albania’s active participation in regional initiatives, including the Common Regional Market and the Berlin Process, describing them as important steps towards EU integration.

The next, 23rd meeting of the EU-Albania Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee will be held at the European Parliament next spring.

/m.m/j.p/u.sh/

The government head underlined that Albania has entered a new phase of EU accession talks after opening all negotiating chapters and was beginning to move towards closing them.

“Albania is now at the stage where, having opened all the negotiating chapters for EU membership, it is starting to move into the phase of closing them, with the aim of completing the long journey towards joining Europe by 2030,” Rama said.

He noted that the goal was for Albania to have a seat at the EU table as a member with equal rights and an equal position within the European family.

Rama also highlighted Albania’s tourism growth, saying the country now attracts around 12 million visitors a year.

He said Albania had recorded significant growth in air traffic in recent years and that its main airport had overtaken Belgrade in passenger numbers.

“Today, Albania has become a country attracting 12 million visitors a year. For the fifth or sixth consecutive year, it has had the fastest-growing airport in the region, and not only the strongest relative growth, but also the airport with the largest number of passengers, surpassing what for nearly a century or more had been the region’s main airport, Belgrade,” Rama said.

/m.q/j.p/u.sh/