Albania has reached a historic milestone in its path towards European Union membership with the formal launch of the first set of chapters for negotiations. This achievement follows the second accession conference between the EU and Albania in Luxembourg.
During a joint news conference, Hungary’s Foreign Minister emphasized the historic nature of opening negotiation chapters with Albania and the importance of new members revitalizing the EU. He criticized delays in enlargement, highlighting Albania’s long wait for membership.
Albania’s Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the decision, calling it a historic day for his country and the EU. He pointed out how events like the war in Ukraine have underscored the need for closer ties between the EU and the Western Balkans.
Albania officially applied for EU membership in 2009 and was granted candidate status in 2014. The current negotiation chapters cover key areas like justice, freedom, public administration reform, and economic criteria.