BRUSSELS – Today, the seventh meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania marked the opening of negotiations on Cluster 5: Resources, agriculture and cohesion. This cluster is the last remaining in the EU accession process of Albania and covers notably agriculture and fisheries, food safety and cohesion policies.
This opening followed the opening of the first cluster on “Fundamentals”, the sixth cluster on “External relations”, the second cluster on “Internal market”, the third cluster on “Competitiveness and inclusion growth”, and the fourth cluster on “Green agenda and sustainable connectivity” at the Accession Conferences with Albania held on 15 October 2024, 17 December 2024, 14 April, 22 May, and 16 September 2025, respectively.
Albania was granted the EU candidate status in 2014. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama described the opening of the last cluster in the negotiations with the Union as a “record achievement”.
According to Rama, “nothing would stop Albania’s path to EU membership in 2030 and that the government’s goal is to complete the negotiation process by 2027”.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that “today is a special day not only for Albania, which opens all clusters, but also for the European Union”.
“The EU can rely on Albania in the future… This success reflects Albania’s unwavering political commitment and strong support from all EU member states”, Kos noted.
She added that Albania’s success “comes from authorities, civil society, other actors, and citizens demanding and supporting reforms”.
“Delivering results moves you forward. You inspire many Western Balkan countries and citizens who seek the same determination and change. Opening all clusters is extraordinary, but closing them is the real reward”, Kos stressed.
Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs of Denmark, the country which holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, stated that the enlargement “is a geopolitical necessity for the EU, and a key priority for the Danish Presidency”.
“Today’s step of opening the last negotiating cluster with Albania demonstrates the country’s commitment to further advancing its path towards EU membership”, Bjerre said.
