Albania is preparing for the next step in its bid to join the European Union, with new talks starting next week on foreign relations and defence policies. The discussions will take place on December 17 after European ambassadors gave their approval on Friday.
The talks mark the third intergovernmental conference between Albania and the EU this year. In a post on X, the Hungarian presidency of the EU said this step reflects Europe’s commitment to speeding up the enlargement process for candidate countries.
Albania began formal negotiations in October with the Fundamentals cluster, which focuses on critical areas like justice reform, rule of law, and financial controls. Often called the “backbone” of EU membership talks, these chapters are opened first and closed last due to their importance.
What’s next?
Next week’s discussions will focus on Cluster 6: External Relations, which includes trade policies, foreign affairs, and defence cooperation. These areas will bring Albania closer to aligning with the EU’s global strategies.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó voiced his support for Albania in October, saying the country is clearly ready to move forward. While optimism is growing, Albania still faces challenges in meeting the EU’s high standards.
Aiming for 2030 membership
The Albanian government is pushing for EU membership by 2030 and hopes to complete negotiations in three years—a timeline that would be faster than any previous candidate country.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has said EU membership is a top priority, with a focus on reforms in governance and justice. However, experts warn that Albania will need to work hard to meet the EU’s strict requirements.
