Marta Kos: Albania’s future is in the EU, we support concluding negotiations by 2027

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos congratulated Albania on completing another chapter of its accession negotiations, describing it as an important step toward European integration.

During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Luxembourg, Kos emphasized the importance of reforms and the support that the new chapter provides to Albanian businesses.

She said Albania ranks among the leading countries in terms of progress achieved and that, thanks to the work carried out and the support of the member states, the 20th negotiating chapter, which concerns enterprise and industrial policy, has been closed.

According to her, this chapter aims to help Albanian businesses grow, develop and create more jobs. Kos stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises constitute the main pillar of the Albanian economy and of the reform process.

The commissioner underscored that Chapter 20 brings concrete benefits, while Albania’s industrial policies are increasingly aligning with those of the EU, particularly in the areas of new technologies, clean technology and critical raw materials. These developments, she said, are important for creating a stronger Albanian economy prepared to compete in the European single market.

Marta Kos also reaffirmed that the European Union supports Albania’s objective of concluding all negotiating chapters by the end of 2027.

“I congratulate the Albanian institutions on this latest achievement. Albania’s objective of closing all negotiating chapters by the end of 2027 is ambitious and has our support. However, to achieve it, the country must continue to deliver results, especially in the fundamental areas. This process requires the involvement of the government, the opposition, civil society and citizens, as EU membership is a national project,” she declared.

Kos added that the EU is preparing for further enlargement and is taking the necessary steps to make this a reality.

“Albania’s future is in the European Union. Together with you, Prime Minister, we are working to make this a reality, while the progress achieved today brings that future even closer,” Marta Kos said.