During his official visit to Tirana, Austrian MEP Andreas Schieder (SPÖ) praised Albania’s progress on the path to EU membership.

In his capacity as European Parliament rapporteur for Albania, Schieder emphasized that the country is showing “strong political will” to resolutely implement the necessary EU reforms. This was reported by the Albanian public broadcaster RTSH on Tuesday.

Schieder particularly highlighted judicial reform, which the EU considers one of the key areas for a successful accession process. “Albania has made great progress despite numerous challenges,” Schieder said, according to RTSH. The reform of the judicial system is one of the most visible signs of the country’s serious commitment, he added.

The Austrian MP’s statements refer to specific stages in the accession process: since the start of the technical screening on July 19, 2022, Albania has been working continuously to align itself with the EU acquis communautaire. The opening of the first five chapters of negotiations on October 15, 2024, was seen as a significant milestone in Brussels. According to Schieder, the completion of the screening in November 2023 shows that Albania is working “consistently and seriously” to align its structures.

In addition to the momentum of reform, Schieder also praised Albania’s role as a stabilizing factor in the Western Balkans, according to RTSH. Especially in geopolitically sensitive times, Tirana is sending a signal that it is a reliable partner. Schieder emphasized that the European Union would continue to provide political and financial support along this path. The EU’s structural support serves not only to build institutions, but also to bring Albania closer to European standards in areas such as the rule of law, administration, and economic development.

Schieder’s visit was seen in Tirana as an encouraging signal to politicians and the population: Albania’s progress to date is being seen and recognized in Brussels. At the same time, it remains clear that the path to EU membership requires consistent reform efforts and political perseverance.