Albania Closes Fourth EU Negotiation Chapter, Irish Minister Byrne Says Country Is Making Steady Progress Towards Membership

Albania has provisionally concluded another chapter in its negotiations to become a member of the European Union, increasing the total number of provisionally closed chapters to four. The provisional closure of Chapter 20, “Enterprise and Industrial Policy,” was formalized at the 10th EU–Albania Intergovernmental Conference, which took place in Luxembourg. The chapter addresses the competitiveness of the economy, business support, innovation, and the development of entrepreneurship.
Thomas Byrne, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defense of Ireland, praised Albania’s progress in the European integration process during a joint press conference with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Prime Minister Edi Rama. He emphasized that the country had entered the final phase of its accession negotiations. Byrne was representing the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Minister Byrne recalled that Albania provisionally closed its first three negotiating chapters in July after achieving the interim benchmarks in the rule of law area under Chapters 23 and 24 in May. The country’s dedication to EU membership and the continuity of reforms are illustrated by the conclusion of Chapter 20.
The minister urged Albania to continue implementing the European Commission’s recommendations and maintain the tempo of reforms, emphasizing that the 2026 report would evaluate accomplishments and identify areas that require further progress.
Byrne posits that the implementation of reforms not only brings candidate countries closer to the standards of the European Union but also contributes to the transformation of their institutions, economies, and societies.
In conclusion, the minister reiterated the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU’s dedication to the continued advancement of Albania’s accession negotiations, with the objective of provisionally closing additional chapters during its term.