Surf Wiki
Save to docs
general/accession-to-the-european-union-by-country

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

Accession of Albania to the European Union

Ongoing accession process of Albania to the EU

Ongoing accession process of Albania to the EU

FieldValue
nationAlbania
national_denonymAlbanian
mapFile:European Union Albania Locator (with internal borders).svg
statusCandidate negotiating (screening complete)
earliest_possible_entry2027–2030
screened15 October 2024
clusters_open6
chapters_open33
clusters_closed0
chapters_closed0
aa1 April 2009
ftapart of the SAA
euroThe euro is widely accepted in Albania, although it has no formal approval, and the official currency of the country is the Albanian Lek.
schengen_visa15 December 2010
Eurocontrol2007
EC24 May 2006
EuratomThere are no nuclear power plants or research reactors in Albania.
ENTSO-EOperatori i Sistemit te Transmetimit is a member
OSCE17 September 1991
WTOMember since 8 September 2000
CoEMember since 13 July 1995
ICCMember since 1 May 2003
ICJEntitled to appear since 14 December 1955
european_perspective2003
potential_candidate_status_date2000
association_agreement12 June 2006
candidate_status_date24 June 2014
applied24 April 2009
candidacy_date24 June 2014
screeningJuly 2022
questionnaireReceived from Commission
December 2009
approval_EC16 October 2013
application_approved24 March 2020
negotiations_start19 July 2022
negotiations_finishTBD
NATO1 April 2009
schengen_visa_liberalisation15 December 2010
eastern_partnership7 May 2009
other_programsEnergy Community
1 July 2006
national_population2,793,592
(Jan. 2022 est.)
national_area28,748 km2
11,100 mi2
national_GDP$18.25 billion
(nominal, 2022 est.)
$51.1 billion
(PPP, 2022 est.)
national_GDP_PC$6,389
(nominal, 2022 est.)
$17,858
(PPP, 2022 est.)
national_HDI0.796 (2021)
national_gini34.3 (2019)
new_EU_population449,845,596 0.63%
new_EU_area4,264,004 km2 0.68%
1,645,572 mi2 0.68%
new_languagesAlbanian 1
new_EU_HDI0.891 0.22%
new_EU_gini31.31 0.4%
new_EU_avg_population16,065,915 3%
new_EU_avg_area152,286km2
3%
58,770 mi2
3%
new_EU_avg_national_GDP$611 billion
3.6%
$769.95 billion
3.5%
new_EU_avg_national_GDP_PC$38,004.42
0.53%
$47,924
0.45%

| ENTSO-E = Operatori i Sistemit te Transmetimit is a member December 2009 Returned to Commission 14 April 2010 First Opinion May 2010 1 July 2006 European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity: Operatori i Sistemit te Transmetimit (OST), 19 December 2008 European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas: Albgaz (Observer) (Jan. 2022 est.) 11,100 mi2 (nominal, 2022 est.) $51.1 billion (PPP, 2022 est.) (nominal, 2022 est.) $17,858 (PPP, 2022 est.) 1,645,572 mi2 0.68% 3% 58,770 mi2 3% 3.6% $769.95 billion 3.5% 0.53% $47,924 0.45%

Albania is on the current agenda for future enlargement of the European Union (EU). It applied for EU membership on 28 April 2009, and has since June 2014 been an official candidate for accession. The Council of the European Union decided in March 2020 to open accession negotiations with Albania.

However, the country did not start accession negotiations because its candidacy was linked to that of North Macedonia, which was vetoed by Bulgaria. On 24 June 2022, Bulgaria's parliament approved lifting the country's veto on opening EU accession talks with North Macedonia. On 16 July 2022, the Assembly of North Macedonia also approved the revised French proposal, allowing accession negotiations to begin. The start of negotiations was officially launched on 19 July 2022.

In October 2024, Albania aimed to be ready for accession by 2030, a timeline acknowledged by Prime Minister Edi Rama as "very ambitious." After the 2025 Albanian parliamentary elections which led to the victory of Edi Rama's party, Emmanuel Macron stated that "in two years to come, as now he has a clear mandate (Edi Rama), he (Albania) will join the EU”, suggesting an entry of Albania as early as 2027.

It is one of nine current EU candidate countries, together with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.

Chronology of relations with the European Union

Officially recognised by the EU as a "potential candidate country" in 2000, Albania started negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) in 2003. This was successfully agreed and signed on 12 June 2006, thus completing the first major step toward Albania's full membership in the EU.

Albania applied for European Union membership on 28 April 2009. After Albania's application for EU membership, the Council of the European Union asked the European Commission on 16 November 2009 to prepare an assessment on the readiness of Albania to start accession negotiations. On 16 December 2009, the European Commission submitted the Questionnaire on accession preparation to the Albanian government. Albania returned answers to the Commission on 14 April 2010. On 5 December 2013, an MEP meeting recommended to the council to grant Albania candidate status. On 23 June 2014, under the Greek EU Presidency, the Council of the European Union agreed to grant Albania candidate status, which was endorsed by the European Council a few days later. Following in the steps of countries joining the EU in 2004, Albania has been extensively engaged with EU institutions, and joined NATO as a full member in 2009.

The European Commission recommended that the EU open membership talks with Albania in its November 2016 assessment. In June 2018 the European Council agreed on a pathway to starting accession talks with Albania by the end of 2019.

Albania's EU accession is bundled with North Macedonia's EU accession. Albania is given certain pre-conditions for starting the accession negotiations, such as passing reforms in the justice system, a new electoral law, opening trials for corrupt judges and respect for the human rights of its Greek minority.

In May 2019, European Commissioner Johannes Hahn reiterated this recommendation. However, in June the EU General Affairs Council decided to postpone their decision on opening negotiations to October, due to objections from a number of countries including the Netherlands and France. The decision was vetoed again in October. On 25 March 2020, the Council of the European Union decided to open accession negotiations, which was endorsed by the European Council the following day.

In December 2022, Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted the 2022 EU-Western Balkans summit in Tirana.

On 13 September 2023, during her State of the European Union address, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen stated that the future of the Western Balkans was "in our Union".

On 25 September 2024, the EU announced the decoupling of Albania from North Macedonia on the EU accession path, due to the disputes between North Macedonia and Bulgaria around the Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia, which had delayed further talks. Following the decision on the decoupling of their processes, the EU opened negotiations on cluster 1 (Fundamentals) with Albania separately on 15 October 2024.

On 19 November 2024, Albania and the European Union signed a Security and Defence Partnership.

On 17 December 2024, the EU opened negotiations on cluster 6 (External relations) with Albania. On 14 April 2025, negotiations were opened on cluster 2 (Internal market), and on 22 May 2025, also on cluster 3 (Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth).

In May 2025, Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, reported that the opening of Cluster 4 (Green agenda and sustainable connectivity) and Cluster 5 (Resources, agriculture and cohesion) was scheduled for June. However, the sixth intergovernmental conference only later took place in September 16, with only Cluster 4 being opened.

Albania opened negotiations on Cluster 5 on 17 November 2025 and is expected to begin the final phase of negotiations (i.e. closing the chapters) from 2026, aiming to conclude negotiations by 2027.

DateEvent
1992A Trade and Co-operation Agreement between the EU and Albania was signed, and Albania became eligible for funding under the EU Phare programme.
1997The EU Council of Ministers established political and economic conditionality for the development of bilateral relations between Albania and the EU.
1999The EU proposed the new Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) for five countries of Southeastern Europe, including Albania. Starting from 1999 Albania benefited from Autonomous Trade Preferences with the EU.
2000title=Albania - EU-Albania relationsurl=http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/potential-candidate-countries/albania/eu_albania_relations_en.htmurl-status=deadarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626032053/http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/potential-candidate-countries/albania/eu_albania_relations_en.htmarchive-date=26 June 2013access-date=10 December 2013publisher=European Commission}}
June 2000The European Council stated that all the SAP countries are "potential candidates" for EU membership.
November 2000At the Zagreb Summit, the SAP was officially endorsed by the EU and the Western Balkan countries (including Albania).
2001The first year of the new CARDS programme specifically designed for the SAP countries.
June 2001The Commission recommended the undertaking of negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Albania. The Göteborg European Council invited the commission to present draft negotiating directives for the negotiation of a SAA.
31 January 2003The directives for the negotiation of a SAA with Albania were adopted. Commission President Prodi officially launches the negotiations for a SAA between the EU and Albania.
June 2003At the Thessaloniki Summit, the SAP was confirmed as the EU policy for the Western Balkans and the EU perspective for these countries was confirmed (countries participating in the SAP started to be eligible for EU accession and would join the EU once they would become ready).
December 2005The council made the decision on the principles of a revised European Partnership for Albania.
12 June 2006The SAA was signed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg.
9 November 2006The European Commission decided to start visa facilitation negotiations with Albania.
13 April 2007The visa facilitation agreement was signed in Zagreb. The signing EU Commissioner Franco Frattini was quoted saying that this is the first step toward a full abolishment of the visa requirements and the free movement of Albanian citizens in the EU.
1 January 2008The visa facilitation agreement entered into force.
7 March 2008EU Commissioner Franco Frattini while in Tirana opened the dialogue toward the liberalisation of the visa regime between Albania and EU.
1 April 2009The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) entered into force.
28 April 2009Albania formally applied for membership in the European Union.
16 November 2009The Council of the EU asked the European Commission to prepare an assessment on Albania's readiness to start accession negotiations. The Commission submitted the questionnaire on accession preparation to the Albanian government.
14 April 2010Albania submitted answers to the European Commission's questionnaire, but candidacy status was not granted by the EU in December 2010 due to a long-lasting political row in the country.MEMO/10/553
November 2010The European Council releases its first response to the Opinion on Albania; Enlargement Strategy and Progress Report 2010 ; http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/press_corner/all_news/news/2010/2010_11_10_01_en.htm ; Balkan Insight
27 May 2010The European Commission proposed visa free travel for Albania. The adopted proposal enabled citizens of Albania to travel to Schengen countries without needing a short term visa.
8 November 2010date=2010-11-08title=Visa liberalisation for Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovinaurl=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/jha/117555.pdfaccess-date=8 November 2010publisher=Council of the European Union}}
15 December 2010Visa-free access for Albanians to the Schengen area entered into force.
10 October 2012The European Commission recommended that Albania be granted EU candidate status, subject to the completion of key measures in certain areas.
August 2012The Albanian Parliament rejected a proposal to abolish immunity for parliament members, ministers and people in some other official positions. The EU required this to be abolished along with 11 other main issues, so candidate status was further delayed. However, in September 2012 a constitutional amendment was unanimously passed which limited the immunity of parliamentarians.
October 2012The European Commission evaluated the progress of Albania to comply with 12 key conditions to achieve official candidate status and start accession negotiations. The report concluded that if Albania managed to hold a fair and democratic parliamentary election in June 2013, and also implemented the remaining changes to comply with the eight key priorities still not fully met, then the Council of the European Union would recommended granting Albania official candidate status.
23 June 2013Albania held a general election, generally regarded as free and fair.
16 October 2013The European Commission released its annual reports on prospective member states which concluded that the Albanian election was held in an "orderly manner" and that progress had been made in meeting other conditions; as such it recommended granting Albania candidate status.
5 December 2013date=5 December 2013title=ViEU integration: progress reports for Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Icelandurl=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20131202IPR29581/html/EU-integration-progress-reports-for-Albania-Serbia-Kosovo-Icelandaccess-date=10 December 2013publisher=European Parliament}} However, several states, including Denmark and the Netherlands, remained opposed to granting Albania candidate status until it demonstrated that its recent progress could be sustained. Consequently, the Council of the European Union, at its meeting in December 2013, agreed to postpone the decision on candidate status until June 2014.
24 June 2014Under the Greek EU Presidency, the Council of the European Union agreed to grant Albania candidate status, which was endorsed by the European Council a few days later. This coincided with the 10th anniversary of the "Agenda 2014", proposed by the Greek Government in 2004, as part of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Thessaloniki, for boosting the integration of all the Western Balkan states into the European Union.
March 2015At the fifth "High Level Dialogue meeting" between Albania and the EU, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement (Johannes Hahn) notified Albania that the setting of a start date for accession negotiations to begin still required the following two conditions to be met: 1) The government need to reopen political dialogue with the parliamentary opposition, 2) Albania must deliver quality reforms for all 5 earlier identified key areas not yet complied with (public administration, rule of law, corruption, organised crime, fundamental rights). This official stance, was fully supported by the European Parliament through its pass of a Resolution comment in April 2015, which agreed with all conclusions drawn by the commission's latest 2014 Progress Report on Albania. The Albanian Prime Minister outlined the next step of his government would be to submit a detailed progress report on the implementation of the 5 key reforms to the Commission in Autumn 2015, and then he expected the accession negotiations should start shortly afterwards - before the end of 2015.
22 July 2016The Albanian parliament approved constitutional amendments on justice reforms.
9 November 2016The Commission recommended the launch of negotiations.
26 November 2016Germany announced that it would veto the opening accession talks until 2018.
Early 2017The European Parliament warned the government leaders that the parliamentary elections in June must be "free and fair" before negotiations could begin to admit the country into the Union. The MEPs also expressed concern about the country's "selective justice, corruption, the overall length of judicial proceedings and political interference in investigations and court cases" but the EU Press Release expressed some optimism: "It is important for Albania to maintain today's reform momentum and we must be ready to support it as much as possible in this process".
December 2018Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stated that respect of the rights of the Greek minority in Albania is a precondition for Albania's entry into the European Union.
June 2019The European Commissioner Johannes Hahn recommended that the EU open membership talks with Albania. On 1 June 2019, the Council set out the path to opening accession negotiations, with talks thought to begin shortly thereafter.
September 2019Germany's Bundestag set as its preconditions for Albania's EU accession negotiations the reforms in the justice system, continue the fight against drug trafficking, a new electoral law, creation of SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure), functioning of the Constitutional Court & the Supreme court, appoint the new Prosecutor General, trials for the corrupt judges, and also drop some ambitions of Greater Albania.
24 March 2020EU ministers reached a political agreement on opening accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia.
19 July 2022The first Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on accession negotiations was held between the EU and Albania. This marked the formal start of the accession talks. Additionally, the European Commission started the screening process.
25 September 2024The EU decides to decouple Albania from North Macedonia on the EU accession path and announces that accession chapters for Albania will open on 15 October 2024.
15 October 2024last=Restelicafirst=Bleonadate=2024-09-26title=EU Separates Albania's Accession Path From North Macedoniaurl=https://schengen.news/eu-separates-albanias-accession-path-from-north-macedonia/access-date=2024-09-26website=SchengenNewslanguage=en}}
16 December 2024Albania opens negotiations with the EU on cluster 6 (External relations) at the Third Intergovernmental Conference.
14 April 2025Albania opens negotiations with the EU on cluster 2 (Internal market) at the Fourth Intergovernmental Conference.
22 May 2025Albania opens negotiations with the EU on cluster 3 (Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth) at the Fifth Intergovernmental Conference.
16 September 2025Albania opens negotiations with the EU on cluster 4 (Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity) at the Sixth Intergovernmental Conference.
17 November 2025Albania opens negotiations with the EU on cluster 5 (Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion) at the Seventh Intergovernmental Conference, thus concluding the opening phase for all accession negotiation chapters.

Visa liberalisation process

On 1 January 2008 the visa facilitation and readmission agreements between Albania and the EU entered into force. Albania received a road map from the EU for further visa liberalisation with Schengen countries in June 2008.

Albania started issuing biometric passports on 24 May 2009, which were designed to comply with EU guidelines. On 8 November 2010 the Council of the European Union approved visa-free travel to the Schengen Area for citizens of Albania. The decision entered into force on 15 December 2010.

EU financial aid

In 2011, the EU paid €6 million to construct or refurbish border crossing points and border police stations to help Albania fight organised crime and illegal trafficking.

Until 2020, Albania had been receiving €1.2bn of developmental aid from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, a funding mechanism for EU candidate countries.

In 2024, the EU welcomed political agreement on the €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, overall amount of the Facility for the period 2024-2027 is €6 billion. To finance the loan support, the European Union will raise €4 billion on the financial market until the end of 2027. The €2 billion of non-repayable support will be financed through additional resources from the Mid-Term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Albania is expected to receive €922 million until 2027.

Negotiation progress

The screening process has been completed and all chapters have been opened, but none closed thus far.

Progression33 / 3333 / 3333 / 330 / 33Acquis chapterScreening StartedScreening CompletedChapter OpenedChapter Closed
1. Free Movement of Goods2023-01-302023-03-092025-04-14–
2. Freedom of Movement For Workers2023-01-302023-03-092025-04-14–
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide Services2023-01-172023-03-092025-04-14–
4. Free Movement of Capital2022-10-072023-03-092025-04-14–
5. Public Procurement2022-09-152023-01-162024-10-15–
6. Company Law2023-02-032023-03-092025-04-14–
7. Intellectual Property Law2023-01-172023-03-092025-04-14–
8. Competition Policy2023-01-172023-03-092025-04-14–
9. Financial Services2022-10-072023-03-092025-04-14–
10. Information Society & Media2023-03-272023-06-152025-05-22–
11. Agriculture & Rural Development2023-11-132023-11-242025-11-17–
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary Policy2023-11-202023-11-242025-11-17–
13. Fisheries2023-11-202023-11-242025-11-17–
14. Transport Policy2023-03-152023-09-292025-09-16–
15. Energy2023-03-152023-09-292025-09-16–
16. Taxation2023-03-312023-06-152025-05-22–
17. Economic & Monetary Policy2023-06-132023-06-152025-05-22–
18. Statistics2022-09-192023-01-162024-10-15–
19. Social Policy & Employment2023-05-232023-06-152025-05-22–
20. Enterprise & Industrial Policy2023-05-262023-06-152025-05-22–
21. Trans-European Networks2023-03-152023-09-292025-09-16–
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments2023-07-172023-10-252025-11-17–
23. Judiciary & Fundamental Rights2022-09-272023-01-162024-10-15−
24. Justice, Freedom & Security2022-09-272023-01-162024-10-15–
25. Science & Research2023-04-282023-06-152025-05-22–
26. Education & Culture2023-04-272023-06-152025-05-22–
27. Environment & Climate Change2023-03-182023-09-292025-09-16–
28. Consumer & Health Protection2023-02-172023-03-092025-04-14–
29. Customs Union2022-10-202023-06-152025-05-22–
30. External Relations2023-11-162023-11-172024-12-17–
31. Foreign, Security & Defence Policy2023-11-162023-11-172024-12-17–
32. Financial Control2022-12-092023-01-162024-10-15–
33. Financial & Budgetary Provisions2023-07-172023-10-252025-11-17–
34. InstitutionsN/AN/AN/AN/A
35. Other IssuesN/AN/AN/AN/A
Acquis chapterStatus as of Nov 2025Chapter Status as of 2025
Overview1 chapter at an early stage
6 chapters with some level of preparation
16 chapters with moderate preparation
10 chapters with good level of preparation
2 chapters with nothing to adoptAll open, none closed thus far.
1. Free Movement of GoodsModerately preparedChapter open
2. Freedom of Movement For WorkersModerately preparedChapter open
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide ServicesModerately preparedChapter open
4. Free Movement of CapitalGood level of preparation††Chapter open
5. Public ProcurementModerately preparedChapter open
6. Company LawModerately preparedChapter open
7. Intellectual Property LawModerately preparedChapter open
8. Competition PolicyModerately preparedChapter open
9. Financial ServicesGood level of preparationChapter open
10. Information Society & MediaGood level of preparationChapter open
11. Agriculture & Rural DevelopmentSome level of preparationChapter open
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary PolicySome level of preparationChapter open
13. FisheriesModerately preparedChapter open
14. Transport PolicySome level of preparationChapter open
15. EnergyGood level of preparationChapter open
16. TaxationModerately preparedChapter open
17. Economic & Monetary PolicyGood level of preparationChapter open
18. StatisticsModerately preparedChapter open
19. Social Policy & EmploymentModerately preparedChapter open
20. Enterprise & Industrial PolicyGood level of preparationChapter open
21. Trans-European NetworksSome level of preparationChapter open
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural InstrumentsModerately preparedChapter open
23. Judiciary & Fundamental RightsModerately preparedChapter open
24. Justice, Freedom & SecurityModerately preparedChapter open
25. Science & ResearchModerately preparedChapter open
26. Education & CultureGood level of preparationChapter open
27. Environment & Climate ChangeSome level of preparationChapter open
28. Consumer & Health ProtectionEarly stageChapter open
29. Customs UnionGood level of preparationChapter open
30. External RelationsGood level of preparationChapter open
31. Foreign, Security & Defence PolicyGood level of preparationChapter open
32. Financial ControlModerately preparedChapter open
33. Financial & Budgetary ProvisionsSome level of preparationChapter open
34. InstitutionsNothing to adoptNothing to adopt
35. Other IssuesNothing to adoptNothing to adopt

indicates chapters in which the European Commission has simultaneously awarded the chapter both "some level of preparation" AND "moderately prepared".

indicates chapters in which the European Commission has simultaneously awarded the chapter both "moderately prepared" AND "good level of preparation".

Acquis chapterEC Assessment in 2015EC Assessment in 2016EC Assessment in 2018EC Assessment in 2019EC Assessment in 2020EC Assessment in 2021EC Assessment in 202252023SC0690format=PDFtext=Commission Staff Working Document: Albania 2023 Report}}date=2024-10-30title=Commission Staff Working Document: Albania 2024 Reporturl=https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a8eec3f9-b2ec-4cb1-8748-9058854dbc68_en?filename=Albania%20Report%202024.pdfwebsite=European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR)}}url=https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/fe9138b7-90fe-4277-a12c-3a03f6d1957f_en?filename=albania-report-2025.pdftitle= Commission Staff Working Document: Albania 2025 Reportdate=November 4, 2025accessdate=November 4, 2025}}
1. Free Movement of GoodsModerately preparedModerately preparedSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
2. Freedom of Movement For WorkersEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationModerately prepared
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide ServicesModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
4. Free Movement of CapitalModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparation
5. Public ProcurementSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
6. Company LawModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
7. Intellectual Property LawSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
8. Competition PolicyModerately preparedModerately preparedSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
9. Financial ServicesModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
10. Information Society & MediaModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
11. Agriculture & Rural DevelopmentEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary PolicySome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
13. FisheriesEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
14. Transport PolicySome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
15. EnergyModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
16. TaxationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
17. Economic & Monetary PolicyModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
18. StatisticsSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
19. Social Policy & EmploymentSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
20. Enterprise & Industrial PolicyModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
21. Trans-European NetworksSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural InstrumentsModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
23. Judiciary & Fundamental RightsSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
24. Justice, Freedom & SecurityEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparationModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
25. Science & ResearchEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationModerately prepared
26. Education & CultureModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparation
27. Environment & Climate ChangeEarly stageSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
28. Consumer & Health ProtectionEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stageEarly stage
29. Customs UnionModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparation
30. External RelationsModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
31. Foreign, Security & Defence PolicyGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparationGood level of preparation
32. Financial ControlModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately preparedModerately prepared
33. Financial & Budgetary ProvisionsSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparationSome level of preparation
34. InstitutionsNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adopt
35. Other IssuesNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adoptNothing to adopt
Legend:
ClustersAcquis ChapterState of PlayCluster OpenedCluster Closed
OverviewOverview33 out of 336 out of 60 out of 6
Fundamentals23. Judiciary & Fundamental RightsOpenedOpened–
24. Justice, Freedom & SecurityOpened
Economic criteria–
Functioning of democratic institutions–
Public administration reform–
5. Public ProcurementOpened
18. StatisticsOpened
32. Financial ControlOpened
Internal market1. Free Movement of GoodsOpenedOpened–
2. Freedom of Movement For WorkersOpened
3. Right of Establishment & Freedom To Provide ServicesOpened
4. Free Movement of CapitalOpened
6. Company LawOpened
7. Intellectual Property LawOpened
8. Competition PolicyOpened
9. Financial ServicesOpened
28. Consumer & Health ProtectionOpened
Competitiveness10. Information Society & MediaOpenedOpened–
16. TaxationOpened
17. Economic & Monetary PolicyOpened
19. Social Policy & EmploymentOpened
20. Enterprise & Industrial PolicyOpened
25. Science & ResearchOpened
26. Education & CultureOpened
29. Customs UnionOpened
Green agenda14. Transport PolicyOpenedOpened–
15. EnergyOpened
21. Trans-European NetworksOpened
27. EnvironmentOpened
Resources, agriculture11. Agriculture & Rural DevelopmentOpenedOpened–
12. Food Safety, Veterinary & Phytosanitary PolicyOpened
13. FisheriesOpened
22. Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural InstrumentsOpened
33. Financial & Budgetary ProvisionsOpened
External relations30. External RelationsOpenedOpened–
31. Foreign, Security & Defence PolicyOpened
34. Institutions–––
35. Other Issues–––

Public opinion

Back in 2012, 86.5 percent of Albanians were in favour of an EU membership bid, whilst in a 2021 poll it was found that as many as 97% of Albanians are in favour of EU accession.

A survey carried out in March and April 2025 by Eurobarometer shows that citizens of Albania have a high level of trust in the EU (80%). When it comes to EU membership, the situation in the country is similar, with more than 80% of citizens of Albania believing it would be a good thing.

According to the 2025 annual survey of opinion in Albania, 82% of citizens have a positive attitude towards the EU (44% very positive, 38% fairly positive), while trust in the EU is 92%. It is also revealed that 92% of citizens would vote in favour of Albania's membership of the EU if a referendum was held, while 93% of citizens believe that EU membership would bring more advantages than disadvantages.

Impact of joining

Member countriesPopulation (2025)AreaGDP
(2024)GDP
per capitaLanguagesEU27url = https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/TPS00001/bookmark/table?lang=en&bookmarkId=6ef61f16-dadc-42b1-a6ce-3ddfda4727e8title = Population on 1 Januarywebsite = Eurostataccess-date = 27 March 2024}}4,233,262 km2
1,634,472 mi2url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/October/weo-report?a=1&c=998,&s=NGDP_RPCH,NGDPD,PPPGDP,PPPPC,PCPIPCH,PCPIEPCH,&sy=2022&ey=2029&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1title=World Economic Outlook database: October 2024 (EU)publisher=International Monetary Fundwebsite=IMF.org}}USD 43,19424EU27+1451,569,893
(+0.53%)4,262,010 km2
1,645,571 mi2
(+0.68%)USD 19.430T
(+0.14%)USD 43,027
(–0.39%)25
ALB Albaniaurl=https://www.instat.gov.al/sq/temat/treguesit-demografike-dhe-sociale/popullsia/publikimet/2025/popullsia-e-shqiperise-1-janar-2025/title=Popullsia e Shqipërisë, 1 Janar 2025publisher=Instituti i Statistikave (INSTAT)website=instat.gov.al}}28,748 km2
11,100 mi2url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/albania/overviewtitle=Albania, Overviewpublisher=World Bankwebsite=worldbank.org}}USD 11,389.7Albanian

Albania's foreign relations with EU member states

References

References

  1. (16 May 2025). "European Council president says Albania could join EU before 2030".
  2. (27 March 2020). "EU Leaders Give Final OK To Begin North Macedonia, Albania Membership Talks". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
  3. Dimitrievska, Valentina. (23 June 2022). "Albania and North Macedonia remain stuck in EU accession process".
  4. (16 July 2022). "North Macedonia: Parliament approves deal to start EU bid".
  5. Casert, Raf. (19 July 2022). "EU starts membership talks with Albania, North Macedonia".
  6. Tidey, Alice. (15 October 2024). "Albania aims to be EU member by 2030, PM Rama says after 'historic' talks". [[Euronews]].
  7. "Macron urges regional investment as Albania nears EU goal".
  8. (2025-05-18). "Macron says Albania to join the EU in 2 years, calls world companies to invest (video)".
  9. (17 November 2009). "Ministers give nod to Albania's EU application".
  10. (2010-04-15). "Albania's Berisha delivers questionnaire responses to Brussels".
  11. (2016-11-09). "Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, The Council, The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions". Europa (web portal).
  12. (2018-06-28). "European Council conclusions, 28 June 2018". [[European Council]].
  13. (2018-06-26). "Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process - Council conclusions". European Council.
  14. (26 September 2019). "Berlin warns Tirana: Forget ambitions for "Greater Albania" (original: Προειδοποίηση Βερολίνου σε Τίρανα: Ξεχάστε τις φιλοδοξίες για "Μεγάλη Αλβανία"". Skai.
  15. (29 May 2019). "EC: Albania and North Macedonia to open the negotiations".
  16. (2019-06-19). "Divided Europe deals major blow to North Macedonia's EU accession hopes". Euraciv.
  17. (2019-10-18). "EU blocks Albania and North Macedonia membership bids".
  18. (2020-03-25). "Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process - the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania - Council conclusions". Council of the European Union.
  19. (2020-03-26). "Joint statement of the Members of the European Council". European Council.
  20. "Eu-Western Balkans summit in Tirana, 6 December 2022". [[European Council]] (EUCO).
  21. (13 September 2023). "Live: 2023 State of Union address by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen | DW News".
  22. Restelica, Bleona. (2024-09-26). "EU Separates Albania's Accession Path From North Macedonia".
  23. (2024-11-19). "Albania: New Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen capabilities and cooperation".
  24. "Third Accession Conference with Albania, 17 December 2024".
  25. "Fourth Accession Conference with Albania".
  26. "5th Accession Conference with Albania, 22 May 2025".
  27. (30 May 2025). "EU to open all accession chapters with Albania in June".
  28. (September 12, 2025). "6th Accession Conference with Albania, 16 September 2025".
  29. (September 5, 2025). "Albania towards full opening of EU chapters, sixth intergovernmental conference on September 16".
  30. (September 8, 2025). "Intergovernmental Conference on September 16: Albania and the EU to Discuss Opening Remaining Chapters".
  31. (July 24, 2025). "Albania does not stop: Brussels opened the last group chapter of accession negotiations".
  32. (November 17, 2025). "Albania opened the last remaining cluster with the EU".
  33. (November 11, 2025). "7th Accession Conference with Albania, 17 November 2025".
  34. (17 June 2025). "FM: Albania to open fifth cluster in EU accession talks".
  35. "Albania - EU-Albania relations". European Commission.
  36. (2010-05-27). "European Commission proposes visa free travel for Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina".
  37. (2010-11-08). "Visa liberalisation for Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina". Council of the European Union.
  38. "FOCUS Information Agency".
  39. (2012-09-18). "Albanian lawmakers vote to curtail their constitutional immunity from prosecution".
  40. (2012-10-10). "Albania Receives EU Candidate Status, With Conditions". [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]].
  41. Commission, The European. "Key findings of the 2012 Progress Report on Albania".
  42. "Albania might be EU candidate by December - World Bulletin".
  43. (2013-10-16). "EU enlargement: priorities for 2014". [[European Commission]].
  44. (5 December 2013). "ViEU integration: progress reports for Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Iceland". European Parliament.
  45. (2013-12-17). "Serbia Expected To Get EU Membership Boost; Delay For Albania".
  46. (2013-12-17). "Council conclusions on Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process". [[Council of the European Union]].
  47. (2014-06-24). "EU candidate status for Albania". [[European Commission]].
  48. (2013-06-24). "EU candidate status for Albania". European Union Delegation to Albania.
  49. (2014-06-27). "European Council 26/27 June 2014 - Conclusions". European Council.
  50. "Agenda 2014". mfa.gr.
  51. "Greece's EU Presidency and the Challenge of Western Balkan Enlargement Policies in Light of the Crisis". suedosteuropa.uni.
  52. (25 February 2015). "5 priorities for negotiations, Fleckenstein defends report in EP, "Reforms in Albania are ambitious"". Top Channel.
  53. (24 March 2015). "Start of accession talks, Tirana demands a date, Brussels is silent". Independent Balkan News Agency.
  54. (30 April 2015). "2014 progress report on Albania - 2014/2951(RSP)". European Parliament.
  55. (30 April 2015). "European Parliament resolution of 30 April 2015 on the 2014 Progress Report on Albania (2014/2951(RSP))". European Parliament.
  56. (2016-11-09). "Communication From The Commission to The European Parliament, The Council, The European Economic and Social Committee and The Committee of the Regions". Europa (web portal).
  57. (15 May 2016). "Germany decides to vote against the launch of negotiations between the EU and Albania".
  58. . (31 January 2017). ["Foreign affairs MEPs assess reform efforts in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina"](http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/bg/news-room/20170131IPR60322/foreign-affairs-meps-assess-reform-efforts-in-albania-and-bosnia-and-Herzegovina).
  59. (22 December 2018). "Τσίπρας σε Αλβανία: "Σεβαστείτε τα μειονοτικά δικαιώματα, αν θέλετε ένταξη στην ΕΕ"".
  60. (12 April 2019). "Tsipras to Rama: Albania's EU accession depends on the respect of the Greek minority (original: Τσίπρας σε Ράμα: Η ένταξη της Αλβανίας στην ΕΕ περνά από τον σεβασμό της ελληνικής μειονότητας)". [[CNN]].
  61. (2019-09-26). "Establishing agreement between the Bundestag and the Federal Government on the application of the Republic of Albania for accession to the European Union and on the recommendation made by the European Commission and the High Representative on 29 May 2019 that accession negotiations be opened". [[Bundestag.
  62. RFE/RL's Balkan Service. (24 March 2020). "After Years of Delay, North Macedonia, Albania Get OK To Begin EU Accession Talks". [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]].
  63. European Commission. (19 July 2022). "Albania Membership Status - European Commission". [[European Commission]].
  64. Restelica, Bleona. (2024-09-26). "EU Separates Albania's Accession Path From North Macedonia".
  65. "Albania - EU-Albania relations". [[European Commission]].
  66. link. (15 March 2012 (alb))
  67. "Modernization project helps improve public services in Albania".
  68. {{CELEX. 32010R1091
  69. "EU assistance of €6 million has enabled the construction of 10 border crossing points and the refurbishment of 17 border police stations in Albania (22/07/2011)".
  70. "Commission welcomes political agreement on the €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans - European Commission".
  71. "Commission approves Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, paving way for payments under the Reform and Growth Facility - European Commission".
  72. "'Plani i Rritjes', Shqipëria pret të marrë 922 mln euro nga BE deri në 2027-ën, për investimet në 4 fusha kryesore! BE kërkon 'projekte serioze'".
  73. (2023-12-08). "Albania - European Commission".
  74. "Albania Report 2025 - Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood".
  75. {{CELEX. 52015SC0213
  76. {{CELEX. 52016SC0364
  77. {{CELEX. 52018SC0151
  78. {{CELEX. 52019SC0215
  79. {{CELEX. 52020SC0354
  80. {{CELEX. 52021SC0289
  81. {{CELEX. 52022SC0332
  82. {{CELEX. 52023SC0690
  83. (2024-10-30). "Commission Staff Working Document: Albania 2024 Report".
  84. (November 4, 2025). "Commission Staff Working Document: Albania 2025 Report".
  85. (2012-11-30). "Albanians continue overwhelming support for EU membership - Tirana Times".
  86. (May 2022). "European Parliament - 2021 Report on Albania".
  87. "Trust in the EU in the Western Balkans: Highest in Montenegro, lowest in Serbia".
  88. administrator. (2025-09-02). "Annual perception surveys 2025 published News {{!}} WeBalkans".
  89. "Popullsia e Shqipërisë, 1 Janar 2025". Instituti i Statistikave (INSTAT).
  90. "Albania, Overview". World Bank.
  91. "Population on 1 January".
  92. "World Economic Outlook database: October 2024 (EU)". International Monetary Fund.
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

accession-to-the-european-union-by-country albania–european-union-relations
Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about Accession of Albania to the European Union — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report