Albania Makes Steady Progress on EU Integration Through Reforms in Chapter 24

Albania is making progress in the European integration process by implementing concrete reforms under Chapter 24, ‘Justice, Freedom and Security’, with a focus on strengthening the fight against organised crime, managing migration and improving border security. The Minister of the Interior, Besfort Lamallari, stated that the country’s progress has been positively assessed by European Union institutions and member states.
During a press conference, Minister Lamallari also spoke about his recent visit to Brussels, where he met with representatives of European institutions and member states. These meetings confirmed the progress of the negotiations and Albania’s advancement in this key chapter, he said. He emphasised that Albania is at an advanced stage in the accession process, with negotiations continuing without obstacles.
The Ministry of the Interior has consistently met the interim benchmarks of the negotiations and treats them as the standard by which to improve the quality and sustainability of reforms. Within one year, 92 gaps in Chapters 23 and 24 were addressed.
In the fight against organised crime, the Criminal Code has been amended regarding trafficking, money laundering and asset confiscation, in line with EU directives. In this context, the Asset Recovery Office has been established as a key mechanism for confiscating assets linked to economic and organised crime. Meanwhile, strategies have been adopted for arms control and the protection of trafficking victims.
In the field of anti-drug efforts, legislation has been aligned with EU standards and a national early warning system for psychoactive substances has been established. There has also been strengthened inter-institutional and international cooperation.
In terms of migration and border management, the authorities have implemented the Migration Strategy and integrated border management, adopted new border control laws, and made progress with the Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems, as well as the Schengen Action Plan, in order to cope with migration flows.
The State Police remains a key institution in the implementation of European standards on the ground and is making an increasingly significant contribution to European security through joint operations and the real-time exchange of information with international partners.
According to Minister Lamallari, the EU integration process encompasses not only the economic and social spheres, but also security and geopolitics. He emphasised that reforms are being implemented to enhance the security, justice and European standards of Albanian citizens, and that Albania now has a genuine opportunity to progress towards membership.