Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama and Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, whose country holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of EU, following the 10th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference, Commissioner Kos said: “Albania is one of the frontrunners in the impressive progress we are making today.”

“Thanks to Albania’s hard work and the support of the member states, we are closing another negotiating chapter, Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy, which concerns helping Albanian businesses grow, develop, compete and create more jobs,” Kos said.
Commissioner Kos added that “small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the Albanian economy, and the reforms and Chapter 20 bring tangible benefits for them”.

“Albania is also bringing its industrial policies closer to those of the EU, particularly in areas such as new technologies, clean technology and plastics. These are essential to building a stronger Albanian economy that is ready to grow and develop within the EU single market.”
Commissioner Kos congratulated Albania’s institutions, public administration and citizens on this latest achievement, with particular praise for Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj.

“Dear Minister Delina, this is your achievement,” Kos said.

Kos went on to say that “Albania has set itself the ambitious goal of closing all negotiating chapters by the end of 2027, and we support this ambition. However, to achieve this goal, Albania must continue to deliver results, particularly on the ‘Fundamentals’. This effort must involve the entire government, the opposition, civil society and citizens. Why? Because EU membership is a national project.
“We are preparing for a larger European Union. Last week, we presented our assessment of how we should prepare for a larger EU. Our message was that we can make a larger European Union work, but we must take the necessary steps to turn this into reality.”

“Albania’s future is in the EU, and together with you, Prime Minister, we are making this a reality. Today’s progress brings us one step closer to achieving that future,” Kos said.

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