The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, today received at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MFEA) the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who handed him a copy of the 2026 Progress Report on Albania.

Minister Hoxha described the report as the most comprehensive, detailed and extensive annual assessment of the country’s progress and its overall level of preparedness for membership in the European Union.

“The report must be read as a whole. We should welcome the substantial and meaningful progress achieved, which confirms that we are on the right track and that Albania is capable not only of making commitments, but also of fulfilling them. At the same time, we must remain fully aware, realistic and determined in addressing the challenges that lie ahead, through inclusive processes, constructive engagement and genuine dialogue,” Minister Hoxha wrote on the social media platform X following the meeting.

According to the Minister, the European Commission’s roadmap towards 2027 provides a clear direction, as, for the first time, Albania’s objective of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2027 has been reflected in an EU document as an ambitious but achievable goal.

“Achieving this goal will require sustained efforts, high-quality reforms and, above all, effective and consistent implementation,” the Minister stressed.

Hoxha underlined that “the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs remains fully committed to further strengthening its institutional capacities and to fully fulfilling its role at this final and decisive stage of the accession negotiations.”

Accession to the European Union, he added, is our most important national objective and project.

“It is an endeavour involving the entire society, just as the benefits of membership will belong to society as a whole. Making this project a reality requires everyone’s contribution,” Hoxha concluded.