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.

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