COREPER Gives Green Light for the Closure of Negotiations on Albania’s First Three EU Accession Chapters

The Agency for Media and Information has announced that COREPER has approved the conclusion of negotiations on the initial three chapters of Albania’s accession procedure to the European Union.
Today, July 10, 2026, the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States to the European Union (COREPER) in Brussels approved the European Union’s Common Position on the provisional closure of Albania’s accession negotiations for Chapter 25 “Science and Research,” Chapter 26 “Education and Culture,” and Chapter 30 “External Relations.”
This decision is an unambiguous political assessment of Albania’s sustained progress in reforms, European transformation, and the accession negotiation process by the EU Member States and the European Commission. It also demonstrates the country’s confidence in its ability to successfully meet the criteria for EU membership and develop its capacity to become a member of the European family.
Albania’s advanced level of alignment with the EU acquis, the unwavering commitment of Albanian institutions and all stakeholders to advancing the Albania 2030 European Agenda, and the concrete results of reforms undertaken over the years are all confirmed by the approval by COREPER.
Albania is further solidifying its status as a prepared candidate country for the subsequent phases of EU accession and integration, as evidenced by this decision, which indicates that the negotiation process is progressing at a steady, credible, and dynamic pace.
In recognition of Albania’s accomplishments and efforts in enhancing the research and innovation ecosystem for development, increasing investment in knowledge and technological development, advancing the implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) as a roadmap for transforming the Albanian economy toward the European Single Market, and deepening integration into the European Research Area, Chapter 25 “Science and Research” has been provisionally completed.
These accomplishments exemplify Albania’s readiness for membership and its endeavors to establish a sustainable, competitive economy that is aligned with a European future.
Albania’s advancement in the modernization of education policies in accordance with the European Education Area, the promotion of inclusiveness and quality at all levels of education and vocational training, the support of youth development and culture, and the advancement of alignment with European education objectives is acknowledged by the provisional closure of Chapter 26 “Education and Culture.”
We are of the firm conviction that the most valuable investment in the future of Europe and European Albania is in education, knowledge, culture, and youth. This investment will foster innovation, create more opportunities, and strengthen social cohesion in our societies.
Chapter 30 “External Relations” has been provisionally closed to recognize Albania’s strategic approach as a “trusted partner of the European Union” and its accomplishments within it. Albania demonstrates its preparedness and contribution to the strengthening of the European Union’s role by aligning international agreements with the EU’s trade policy and foreign relations positions.
Albania will be three stages closer to its strategic objective of achieving full European Union membership within this decade with the provisional closure of accession negotiations for these three chapters occurring at the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels on July 14, 2026.
The significance of today’s COREPER decision extends beyond the conclusion of negotiations on three chapters. It is a powerful political signal of the European Union’s support for Albania’s progress on its European path and confirms that the true path to the European family is reforms, institutional, economic, and social transformation, built on consolidated foundations of the rule of law, and the national consensus stemming from the strong support of Albanian citizens for the European aspiration.
Albania is resolute in its commitment to maintain the same level of credibility, reforms, commitment, and results during the final phase of the accession negotiations. It will fulfill all criteria necessary to achieve the historic mission of full membership in the European Union and Albania’s integration into the European family by advancing reforms with determination.