Albania has closed the first three chapters of negotiations with the European Union, a development the government presented as a political success on the path toward membership. But the message from Brussels was not only ceremonial: alongside recognition of the formal progress, the call was repeated for deeper reforms and for the repeal of the strategic investments law, one of the issues that has prompted debate and public opposition.
Three chapters closed at the intergovernmental conference
Brussels hosted the 9th intergovernmental conference between Albania and the European Union, where the closure of the first three chapters out of a total of 33 was formalized.
These are Chapter 25 – Science and Research, Chapter 26 – Education and Culture, and Chapter 30 – External Relations. Their closure marks an important procedural stage in the negotiations, although the process remains long and conditional on other, more sensitive reforms.
Rama calls it a “milestone,” but Brussels sets clear conditions
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the development as another “milestone” on Albania’s path toward the EU, presenting it as proof that the reforms, according to the government, are delivering results.
However, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos put the emphasis on the steps still required from Albania. According to her, this is only an intermediate step and reforms must be deepened further, especially in the justice system and in the fight against crime and corruption.
Strategic investments law returns to the center of EU pressure
The most significant political point of the conference was the repeated request from Brussels for the repeal of the strategic investments law. Marta Kos said that it had been agreed earlier with the Albanian government that this law, together with the 2014 amendments, would be removed during this year.
Her statement pushed the issue beyond the usual diplomatic language and linked it directly to the EU’s expectations of the Albanian authorities. According to the version presented by the Commissioner, Brussels expects this to happen as soon as possible.
Government accepts removal of one law, but defends another
After that statement, Rama said his government had agreed to repeal the strategic investments law. At the same time, he defended the law on Protected Areas, calling it one of the best, in his view.
This difference in position shows that while one part of the legal framework appears to be under pressure to be withdrawn, on other issues the government continues to hold the same position. The conference also took place at a time when a protest was being held in Tirana, making the political weight of the public statements even more sensitive.
The closure of the three chapters gives Albania formal progress in its EU negotiations, but the message from Brussels remains clear: the process is not measured only by conferences and political statements.
The essence remains in the unfinished reforms, the fight against corruption, and the removal of laws that the EU itself considers problematic. Beyond the government’s triumphalism, that is precisely where it will be tested whether this step is substantial or simply the latest victory in political communication.