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Official German media: The most difficult phase for the Albanian government begins now
2026-05-27 14:08:59 / POLITIKË
Albania passed another key stage on Tuesday (26.05) on its path to the European Union. The 8th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU confirmed the fulfillment of the interim objectives for the “Fundamentals” chapter group, which includes justice, fundamental rights, security and the functioning of democratic institutions. But in addition to the assessments of the progress in the justice reform and the fight against corruption, the European Union gave the clear message that the most difficult phase begins now, that of implementing the reforms.
At the conference in Brussels, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, described the reform of the judiciary as one of the main elements of progress in the negotiations. She praised the vetting process and the establishment of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, SPAK. “We have seen the vetting of hundreds of judges and prosecutors. We have seen the establishment of SPAK, which is a flagship anti-corruption institution that has proven that it can deliver results and that it can become the most reliable institution in Albania,” said Kos.
The European Commissioner stressed that the fulfillment of the intermediate objectives does not constitute the end of the process, but the entry into a phase where concrete and sustainable results are required. “The moment the conditions are met, this is the moment to intensify the work. Further progress is expected” – said the Commissioner. More than 95% of Albanians support your membership in the EU. We have a long way to go, but it will come very soon” – added Kos.
"The beginning of the end" for negotiations
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the 8th Intergovernmental Conference as another “milestone” in Albania’s European integration process. At the joint conference with European Commissioner Marta Kos and the representative of the EU Council presidency, Marilena Raouna, Rama said that Albania has managed to open all negotiation chapters within 11 months, a pace that he called a record. “You should see and learn from Albania’s love for the EU, an inexhaustible, unconditional love. So we feel energized, encouraged, but also with more responsibility, because we know that this is not the end, it is only the beginning of the end,” said the Prime Minister.
Rama added that progress in the negotiations is directly related to the transformation of the institutions and justice system in the country. "Today we received confirmation of much stronger institutions than a year ago. A strengthened and independent justice system like never before in the history of our country," said Rama.
Ambassadors in Tirana: Justice determines the path to the EU
From Tirana, the German Ambassador, Karl Bergner, welcomed the fulfillment of the intermediate objectives in the "Fundamentals" chapter group, describing it as an important step in the process of Albania's accession to the EU. "A strong rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and a pluralistic democracy are the essence of European values. Thus, steps forward in the area of "Fundamentals" determine Albania's speed on the path towards the EU" - declared Ambassador Bergner, while adding that Germany strongly supports the country's membership in the European Union.
The Dutch ambassador Reinout Vos also expressed himself in the same vein, saying that the adoption of the interim objectives marks a starting point for the next phase of reforms. "Respect for the independence of the judiciary and unhindered efforts against corruption, including high-level cases, are non-negotiable prerequisites for Albania's progress in the EU accession process," the Dutch ambassador said in a statement.
Albania applied for EU membership in April 2009 and was granted candidate country status in June 2014. The EU held its first intergovernmental conference with Albania in July 2022. / DW
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