The Fifth Intergovernmental Conference between the European Union and Albania will take place on May 22, 2025, in Brussels, the Prime Minister's Office announced.
The conference will open 8 new chapters of Cluster 3: Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth. "This marks another important and historic step forward in Albania's negotiations for membership in the European Union," the prime minister's announcement states.
This grouping represents inclusive growth for prosperity and includes eight areas or chapters: Chapter 10 (Digital Transformation and Media), Chapter 16 (Taxation), Chapter 17 (Economic and Monetary Policy), Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment), Chapter 20 (Enterprise and Industrial Policy), Chapter 25 (Science and Research), Chapter 26 (Education and Culture), Chapter 29 (Customs Union). Progress in these areas is essential to guarantee Albania's fiscal stability, industrial modernization, increased innovation, improved working conditions and participation in European initiatives in scientific research, education and digitalization.
With this decision, negotiations have been opened so far for a total of 27 areas (chapters and criteria) in just eight months, following the successful opening of Cluster 1 (Fundamentals) on 15 October 2024, Cluster 6 (External Relations) on 17 December 2024, and Cluster 2 (Internal Market) on 14 April 2025. This accelerated pace of opening negotiations reflects both Albania's commitment to reforms and the EU's renewed emphasis on enlargement as a strategic priority.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, the successful conclusion of these negotiations is expected to bring tangible improvements in the lives of Albanian citizens, such as simpler and more transparent public services, fairer tax policies geared towards becoming part of the EU single market, stronger protections for workers, and safer jobs. (A2 Televizion)
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