Albania is on the verge of a historic milestone in its EU accession process. As EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos recently announced, the country is set to open all remaining negotiation chapters with the European Union in June. This was reported by Albanian broadcaster RTSH, citing current developments within the EU Commission.

The announcement was made during the fifth accession conference between Albania and the EU, which took place in Brussels on May 22, 2025. Talks on the so-called Cluster 3 (“Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth”) were also launched. This chapter covers topics such as digital transformation, taxation, economic and monetary policy, and education and culture – a significant step on the road to full membership, according to an official report by the European Council.

Albania’s progress is remarkable: since the official start of accession negotiations in July 2022, several chapters have already been successfully opened. The comprehensive screening process, which covers all areas of EU law, was completed in November 2023. According to information from the European Commission and various media outlets such as Kosovapress and Wiener Zeitung, Albania is now ready for the next phase.

The reform process continues to be supported by the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), which provides assistance to Albania in various areas, particularly in establishing rule of law structures. The German Federal Foreign Office also regularly emphasizes the importance of Albanian judicial reform, the fight against corruption, and freedom of the press as key prerequisites for EU accession.

If the planned opening of all chapters does indeed take place in June, Albania would further strengthen its position as one of the most advanced EU accession candidates in the Western Balkans. At the same time, this would send a strong signal from the EU to the region—and offer a glimmer of hope for many people who hope for a better future through European integration.