Closure of Chapter 20 with the EU, Commissioner Marta Kos Says EU Supports Albania’s Goal of Concluding Accession Negotiations in 2027

Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, reiterated the European Union’s backing for Albania’s goal of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2027. She commended the country’s progress and underscored the significance of ongoing reforms, particularly in the core areas of the EU integration process.
Commissioner Kos congratulated Albanian institutions, the public administration, and citizens on their most recent accomplishment during a joint press conference in Luxembourg with Prime Minister Edi Rama and Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defense, Thomas Byrne. He described Albania as one of the leading countries in terms of progress in the EU enlargement process. Following the 10th EU–Albania Intergovernmental Conference, which formalized the provisional closure of Chapter 20, “Enterprise and Industrial Policy,” her statement was issued, bringing the total number of provisionally closed chapters to four.
Commissioner Kos emphasized that the closure of Chapter 20 would provide tangible benefits to Albanian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, by fostering their development, enhancing competitiveness, and generating new jobs.
She also emphasized the significance of aligning Albania’s industrial policies with those of the European Union, particularly in the areas of new technologies, clean technologies, and critical raw materials, as key factors in bolstering the Albanian economy and preparing it for the European Single Market.
The Commissioner underscored that the 2027 target would necessitate the commitment of all stakeholders, including the government, opposition, civil society, and citizens, and sustained results in the implementation of reforms, as EU membership is a national project. In light of this, the Commissioner addressed the next steps toward EU membership.
Finally, Commissioner Kos emphasized the European Union’s provisions for future enlargement, emphasizing the significance of maintaining progress toward membership and reaffirming Albania’s European perspective.