Albania aims to join the European Union earlier than the 2030 target, announced the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, in an interview on North Macedonia’s “Alsat” TV. 

Why is this important: The Minister’s optimism reflects Albania’s efforts to accelerate reforms and align with EU standards, which could advance the Western Balkans’ integration. The choice of North Macedonia as location for interview signals Albania’s readiness to proceed individually if needed, without waiting on other regional candidates.

The details

• Faster reforms planned: Minister Hasani stated that the 2030 deadline is realistic, but Albania is pushing to move even faster. The government has a work plan agreed with the European Commission, detailing chapter openings and closures. The minister expects the technical aspects of negotiations to conclude within the next 3-4 years.
• Political negotiations ahead: After the technical work, Albania will need to gain political approval from EU member state parliaments, which could take an additional 1-2 years.
• Regional cooperation: He emphasized the importance of a positive regional approach, stating that Albania’s success is linked with progress in North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Bosnia. “A united regional effort will enhance each country’s path toward the EU,” he added.

Reform and anti-corruption efforts

• Judicial reform success: Hasani called Albania’s justice reform the most significant since independence in 1912. He highlighted progress in reshaping the judiciary and prosecution bodies, saying these reforms have shifted public perception of justice.
• Next focus: Anti-corruption: The minister announced that Albania’s next major initiative will target corruption. A new mechanism established in Parliament will engage the government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure transparency and accountability.

Albania’s determination:  The Foreign Minister underscored Albania’s alignment with European standards, drawing parallels to the EU accession journeys of Croatia and Romania. He expressed optimism that other candidates in the Western Balkans will follow Albania’s reform model.

He concluded, “EU membership is not just Albania’s aspiration; it’s a logical outcome of our shared European identity.”