inter-govt.-conference – Albanian Telegraphic Agency.

Albania holds 8th EU Intergovernmental Conference, German and Dutch ambassadors issue joint statement

Sonila Mehmeti — Tue, 26 May 2026 18:31:09 +0000

TIRANA, May 26 /ATA/ Germany’s Ambassador to Albania Karl Bergner and the Netherlands Ambassador Reinout Vos issued a joint statement on Tuesday on the occasion of the 8th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels.

The statement says that “the achievement of the interim benchmarks in the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster represents an important step in Albania’s European Union accession process.

The ambassadors also congratulate all Albanian citizens, as well as those in politics, administration, and the judiciary, “who have contributed through their strong commitment in this regard.”

The ambassadors emphasize that Albania is part of the European family and add that Germany and the Netherlands strongly support its membership in the European Union.

“A strong rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights, and a pluralistic democracy are at the core of European values. Therefore, progress in the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster determines the pace of Albania’s path toward the EU,” the statement continues.

The statement further says that “the achievement of interim benchmarks constitutes a starting point for Albania’s further steps towards strengthening the rule of law. The agreement on the IBAR reflects our clear expectation and encouragement for the continued implementation of reforms, their firm enforcement in practice, and the consolidation of accountable institutions.

“Respect for the independence of the judiciary and the unimpeded fight against corruption, including at the highest levels, constitute non-negotiable conditions for Albania’s progress in the European Union accession process,” the joint statement reads. “This also includes ensuring that decisions regarding the lifting of immunity are consistent with the recommendations of the Venice Commission.”

The German and Dutch ambassadors emphasized that “EU Member States have clearly anchored these expectations in their Joint Declaration as conditions for concluding negotiations. Like other EU institutions and Member States, Germany will closely monitor further developments and will continue to support the next steps of reform.”

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