The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Elisa Spiropali, participated in the Dialogue Forum “A Few More Steps Towards the EU”, held in Vlora and organized by the Albanian Ambassador to Austria, Mr. Fate Velaj.

Minister Spiropali joined the panel discussion with Mr. Andreas Schieder, European Parliament Rapporteur for Albania, Ms. Catherine Suard, Ambassador of France to Albania, and Mr. Gabriel
Ventura, Ambassador of Spain to Albania.
In her opening remarks, the Minister highlighted Albania’s concrete progress in advancing toward EU membership.
“In just 13 months, from October 2024 to November 2025, Albania, in close coordination with the European Commission and EU Member States, has opened 33 negotiation chapters. This achievement reflects a combination of strategic vision, institutional capacity, and sustained political commitment,” stated Minister Spiropali.

She noted that recent months have seen unprecedented progress in achieving the interim benchmarks of the Fundamentals cluster. “The adoption of the final legislative package by Parliament ensures that the process proceeds with the necessary rigor and credibility, enabling Albania to enter the next critical phase, the closing of negotiation chapters. The year 2026 will be decisive for meeting our target of closing all chapters by 2027.”

Minister Spiropali emphasized that these achievements are not solely procedural, but signal Albania’s capacity to operate at the pace of the EU and its readiness to integrate fully into European structures. “The reforms implemented covering justice, public administration, anti-corruption measures, economic governance, and institutional standards are transformative. They strengthen Albania’s democratic institutions, enhance transparency, and create a more competitive economy, benefiting all citizens. These reforms are designed not as an exam, but as the foundation for a modern, European-oriented state.”

The Minister stressed that European integration is both an Albanian and a European strategic priority. “In the current international context, where security and political credibility are tested, EU enlargement is a matter of stability and strategic necessity. The Western Balkans are central to Europe’s future, and Albania is committed to contributing constructively to a stronger and more secure Union.”

Minister Spiropali concluded by underlining the mutual interest of Albania and the EU in this process. “Albania seeks not only membership, but active partnership within the Union. Integration is a co-constructive process, enhancing standards, responsibility, and joint contribution to a Europe that remains free, prosperous, and secure. The ‘final steps’ toward EU membership represent both Albania’s commitment and the European Union’s commitment to a united, stable, and strategic region.”