Why is this important: The meeting marked a significant step forward in addressing the sensitive issue of missing persons, a humanitarian concern for both sides. After years of delays, both parties confirmed the establishment of a Joint Commission to oversee the implementation of the Declaration on Missing Persons, which was signed in May 2023.

Why is this important: The statement comes just five months before Albania’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for May 11, 2025, signaling the U.S. position that Berisha, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, cannot be seen as a governing alternative for the country. The declaration also challenges Berisha’s recent claims that a Trump administration, if elected in the U.S., would reconsider his non grata status. Historically, such designations for major corruption cases are rarely overturned.

Why is it important: This milestone marks an important moment for Albania as it continues its journey towards full EU integration. Albania is the first negotiating country that has opened two clusters of negotiations in just two months.

Why is this important: The remarks come as SPAK and its chief are under a vicious attack by the opposition and one day after DP leader Sali Berisha made public a picture of Dumani’s wife in what was perceived as an attempt at intimidation. 

Why is this important: This milestone follows the adoption of the EU’s revised negotiation methodology in 2020, which divides the 35 negotiation chapters into six thematic clusters. Albania has already opened negotiations for Cluster 1: Fundamentals, and the upcoming conference signals further progress in Albania’s EU accession process.