Albania and Kosovo Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation, Moving Toward Alignment with EU Standards

Albania and Kosovo have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the agricultural sector by focusing on increasing domestic production, facilitating trade and aligning with European Union standards. This was agreed during the two-day official visit to Kosovo by Andis Salla, the Albanian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, following a meeting with his counterpart, Armend Muja, the Kosovo Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development.
The ministers agreed to strengthen interinstitutional coordination, reduce administrative barriers and encourage businesses to play a greater role in developing trade relations between the two countries. Given that both countries are currently net importers of food, one of the main priorities remains boosting agricultural production.
To this end, efforts will be made to simplify existing agreements and improve their implementation by enhancing administrative capacities and fostering closer cooperation among relevant institutions, including food safety authorities and trade support structures.
Cooperation will also extend to coordinating food safety policies, developing the agri-food value chain and promoting EU standards. The aim is to create a more integrated and competitive market. Particular focus will be placed on exchanging best practices and advancing the digitalization of services.
Minister Salla emphasised that Albania is continuing its work on aligning legislation in Chapters 11, 12 and 13 of the EU acquis. The two countries will also hold regular technical-level meetings to monitor the implementation of agreements and the progress of cooperation.
Albania and Kosovo’s shared objective remains the creation of a more open and integrated market based on European standards and mutual trust between institutions, supporting the sustainable development of the sector and providing tangible benefits for farmers and consumers.