Oct 2, 2024 — Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu, has raised concerns about Albania’s path to European Union membership. In a televised interview on Tuesday, she said she disagrees with former European Council President Charles Michel, who suggested that Albania could join the EU by 2030.
Bregu pointed out that the country has not yet addressed the most crucial aspects of the negotiation process. If Albania continues at the current pace, she warned, it could take an astonishing 106 years for the country to secure EU membership.
“I was taken aback when I heard the target of 2030 set by the former President of the European Council. While it would be fantastic if that happens, we need significant changes in the membership process for it to become a reality,” Bregu said.
According to the head of RCC, without a new approach from the EU, Albania’s chances for quick accession remain unclear. Many essential negotiation chapters are still closed, complicating the journey ahead.
“If we maintain the same technical approach and slow pace of negotiations—which haven’t even begun in the key areas—we could be looking at another 106-year wait. Montenegro, being smaller and facing fewer challenges, is progressing at a rate that raises concerns for us,” she added.
Despite these challenges, Bregu offered a glimmer of hope. She said that Albania can still gain from being part of the European market and urged local businesses to make the most of this opportunity as they work towards EU integration.
“We need to be ready to capture as many benefits as we can from our connection to the European market. This is within our control, and it can significantly help both our businesses and citizens,” she explained.
Bregu concluded by encouraging Albania to seize these opportunities before 2030 as it navigates its future in Europe.
