EU to open all negotiation chapters with Albania in June

The European Commission will open all remaining chapters of EU accession talks with Albania next month, marking a breakthrough in the country’s long road to membership.

Why this is important: The move pushes Albania to the final phase of EU negotiations—closing the chapters. It signals that Brussels sees Albania as ready to move forward after years of reform.

Context: Speaking at a European Studies conference in Brussels, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos announced that Albania will officially have all its EU negotiation chapters opened in June 2025.

“Of course, during my mandate we will have new EU members from the Western Balkans,” Kos said.
“With Edi Rama, we’ve come to an agreement. I always insist this process must be merit-based, but we’ve agreed to finally conclude Albania’s marriage with Europe. We need to open another cluster of chapters, and this will happen in June. That will complete the opening phase of negotiations.”

She added that the next step—closing the chapters—will be a major challenge, but one the EU is ready to support.

Why Albania: Kos emphasized that Albania was being singled out for the exceptional work that is being done both by citizens and politicians. This strong endorsement sets Albania apart from other Western Balkan countries still struggling with political or judicial setbacks.

What’s next: Once all chapters are opened, Albania enters the most demanding phase of accession: closing each negotiation chapter, one by one. This stage tests the country’s ability to deliver sustained, deep reforms across governance, justice, economic policy, and civil rights.

The European Commission will continue to monitor Albania’s progress chapter-by-chapter in the months ahead.