Journalist Muhamed Veliu: Has Albania’s negotiation process been blocked in the context of the IBAR review in Brussels, as has been suggested in recent political statements?

Minister Hoxha: Thank you, Mr. Veliu, for this opportunity. I would like to clearly distinguish between political statements—often reflecting familiar positions within Albania’s domestic debate and media commentary, which is free and contributes to public discourse, on the one hand, and the concrete reality of the process and its mechanics on the other.

I state with conviction and responsibility, based also on direct information: no, there is absolutely no basis to speak of any blockage of the process. The negotiations for accession to the European Union are, by their very nature, complex, both technical and political, and unfold according to their own dynamics. They require time, consistency, and above all, verified and measurable results.

Albania is currently at the most advanced stage of this process it has ever reached and is widely regarded, not merely by our own assessment, as a frontrunner, demonstrating clear and acknowledged progress by our European partners.

The very fact that we have advanced at a rapid and unprecedented pace in opening chapters and fulfilling obligations reflects a new level of seriousness and institutional capacity. The discussions taking place in Brussels, including those related to the IBAR report, are an integral part of this journey. They should not be interpreted as obstacles, but rather as mechanisms that ensure the quality, sustainability of reforms, and the credibility of the enlargement process.

You referred to political statements. I do not intend to engage in polemics, but I would like to underline several essential facts often absent from this debate. Albania is the first, and so far the only, country undergoing the IBAR process under the new methodology, which sets a clear standard: without passing the “IBAR test,” the phase of closing chapters cannot begin. As pioneers, we inevitably serve as a reference point for the functioning of this methodology itself.

Furthermore, within the span of a single year, Albania has undertaken an extraordinary and unprecedented effort to address 92 identified gaps within Chapters 23 and 24 of the “Fundamentals” cluster, which form the core of the IBAR report. This is not merely a technical figure, but concrete evidence of deep reform efforts encompassing the judiciary, public administration, the fight against illegality, the rule of law, as well as human rights and fundamental freedoms. Meeting these requirements clearly demonstrates that Albania has moved beyond declarative commitments into the phase of measurable results.

At the same time, the very fact that the report is now before the Council indicates that it is considered robust and credible. Detailed review by Member States is standard practice and part of a rigorous process aimed at safeguarding the quality of enlargement. What is taking place is therefore normal, expected, and fully consistent with the advanced stage Albania has reached.

In this context, it is important to emphasize that Albania has already built a consolidated profile as a serious, reliable, and predictable partner, reflected clearly in the support it enjoys both within European institutions and among Member States.

Journalist Muhamed Veliu: How does the Ministry assess the continuation of Albania’s integration process during this year?

Minister Hoxha: European integration is not a temporary project; it is a strategic choice, an irreversible orientation, and above all a vital national interest for Albania and its citizens, beyond any political divisions.

Albania has long moved beyond the phase of prolonged and often unjustified waiting. Today, more than ever, our country is clearly positioned on a concrete trajectory toward membership. There is no realistic scenario in which Albania would abandon this process or be excluded due to the challenges of what is undoubtedly a demanding process, more demanding than in previous rounds of enlargement or due to media interpretations.

On the contrary, the reality is that the process is moving forward and is more consolidated than ever. Albania is working on structured foundations, with concrete plans and clear timelines, aligning its legislation, strengthening institutions, and raising standards across all sectors. This is an irreversible process, as it represents not merely a political objective, but a profound transformation of the state and society.

As I have said before and reiterate meetings take place in Brussels, but reforms are carried out in Albania; assessments are made there, but the results and benefits are here—for Albanian citizens, for all of us. European integration is a long-term investment in functional democracy, a competitive economy, and resilient institutions. That is the very essence of membership.

It is also important to understand that the current geopolitical context has elevated enlargement to a strategic priority for the European Union itself. In this framework, countries that demonstrate real progress and credibility, such as Albania, no longer have merely a perspective—they have a genuine window of opportunity to advance further, which must be fully seized, as we are doing every hour and every day.

Therefore, rather than questioning the continuity of the process, the focus should be on accelerating reforms and consolidating results. Nothing can or should halt this path. On the contrary, every challenge must serve as an impetus to move forward faster and with greater determination.

Journalist Muhamed Veliu: Can you tell us when IBAR is expected to be approved?

Minister Hoxha: Neither I nor anyone else in Albania can provide an exact date, as this is a decision that rests with the Member States of the European Union. It is based on their own assessments, analyses, and internal procedures.

We are not yet at the table where such decisions are taken, precisely the table we are working to join. We are engaged in a merit-based process, and the path to that table runs through deep reforms and tangible results. Reforms are our password to entering the European family.

What I can say with confidence, however, is that Albania is on the right track. We have full confidence in the quality of the work undertaken, in our cooperation with partners, and in the seriousness of the process. Every step we have taken so far has been aimed at building a sustainable and credible process.

Albania will continue to do everything required to earn its place in the European Union—through real reforms, tangible results, and unwavering institutional and political commitment.

This is a path that requires patience, but above all, determination. And today, Albania has both.