Albania Opens the Final Negotiating Cluster with the European Union

Today, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs announced that Albania officially started the last set of negotiations to join the European Union. This marks the end of the initial phase for all parts of the process and a significant step towards becoming part of the EU.
Negotiations for the cluster “Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion,” covering Chapters 11, 12, 13, 22, and 33, began at the 7th Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels. The Ministry emphasized that this development is a direct consequence of the reforms enacted by Albanian institutions and their close collaboration with the European Commission and its member states.
According to the Ministry, the inauguration of the final cluster shows that Albania has made tremendous progress in the negotiation process in just 12 months, demonstrating its rapid pace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) views this level as evidence of the country’s institutional commitment to European standards and the EU’s confidence in its transition.
Prime Minister Edi Rama led the Albanian delegation in Brussels. The delegation included Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Danish Foreign Minister Marie Bjerre, who represented the EU’s rotating presidency.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Albania has entered a new phase of negotiations: chapter closing. This phase requires deeper reforms, a strengthened rule of law, increased transparency, institutional consolidation, advancement of economic reforms, and full alignment with the EU’s legal and regulatory framework. The goal remains unchanged: completing negotiations by 2027 and gaining EU membership within the decade.
Last night, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs inaugurated the new building of the Albanian Mission to the EU. During the ceremony, Ambassador Ferit Hoxha reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to the European project and its ongoing efforts to advance the accession process.
The ministry expressed gratitude to the European Commission, member states, and partners who have supported Albania throughout the process. They emphasized that European integration is a national effort, demonstrating unshakable commitment from Albanian institutions.