Albania closes 20th EU accession chapter, advancing toward 2027 membership goal

During a meeting in Luxembourg, EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos confirmed that Albania has successfully wrapped up the 20th accession chapter, which focuses on business and industry policy. She credited the achievement to persistent work by Albanian authorities and strong backing from EU member states, noting that Albania's industrial policy is increasingly harmonised with the Union, especially in areas such as new technologies, clean energy and key raw materials.

Kos reiterated Albania's ambition to close every remaining chapter by the end of 2027, a timeline endorsed by the European Commission, while stressing that additional results are needed, particularly in fundamental reforms. She also emphasized that the accession process requires the joint effort of the government, opposition, civil society and citizens. Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking after the negotiations, said that since the positive assessment released in May 2026, four chapters have been temporarily closed and the goal is to double that figure. Rama warned that the number of closed chapters alone does not indicate success; genuine outcomes lie in implemented reforms, stronger institutions and tangible changes, and he affirmed Albania's determination to continue the accession journey.