Albania is making steady progress in its European Union accession negotiations, with a projected completion date set for the end of 2027. This timeline was reinforced by the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, during her visit to Slovenia, where she outlined the EU’s priorities regarding the integration of Western Balkan countries.
In an interview with Slovenian national radio and television, Kos emphasized that two countries from the Western Balkans are leading the accession process: Montenegro and Albania. According to her statement, Montenegro remains at the forefront and is expected to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026, while Albania follows closely behind, with a target to finalize the process by the end of 2027.
“Two states from the Western Balkans are at the forefront of the EU accession process. Montenegro leads the way, with negotiations expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Albania is in second place, and I believe it can cross the finish line to complete negotiations by the end of 2027,” Kos stated.
Despite this optimistic outlook, Kos underlined that the final decision regarding accession remains in the hands of EU member states. She highlighted the importance of continuous communication and engagement to ensure a smooth integration process.
“I am fully aware of the extraordinary importance of communication because I cannot imagine that after completing all negotiations, a member state would say no, we do not want that country in the European Union. That is why I am optimistic about both leading states, Albania and Montenegro,” Kos added.
The commitment to concluding negotiations within this timeframe reflects Albania’s ongoing efforts to align its legal and institutional framework with EU standards. As the process advances, the role of EU member states in approving Albania’s accession will be crucial in determining the final outcome. However, with continued progress and sustained diplomatic engagement, Albania appears to be on a clear path toward fulfilling its EU aspirations within the set timeframe.