The Western Balkans’ accession to the EU could be key to long term stability and prosperity within the bloc. The Balkans plays a key role in reducing dependence on Russian energy whilst securing Europe’s borders.
The accession of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia to the bloc will help counter Russian and Chinese influence within the region whilst also enhancing European security.
In the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, EU enlargement has become a pressing matter. Of all the countries within the region, Albania has taken the most significant steps to prepare for EU accession and will probably become the next member welcomed into the bloc.
Deepening Ties, Albania & Brussels
This week, Albania made another step towards EU accession as Marta Kos, the EU Enlargement Commissioner, visited the capital city, Tirana. Kos met with the country’s leaders to assure them of the bloc’s commitments to Albania.
Kos said of the visit, “The EU is for sure, and it is happening and it is real”. EU Commissioner Kos, who is Slovenian, said Albanian leaders are “champion(s) in regional cooperation”, referring to the former Yugoslav countries.
The EU decided in 2020 that it would begin full membership negotiations with the Balkan country.
Albania’s parliament is to ratify two documents that will unlock more than €920 million under the EU’s growth plan.
The funding will allow the small Balkan country to be “ready for joining the EU,” according to Kos.
Progress in Albania’s Accession Plan
This most recent visit comes off the back of negotiations beginning in October 2024, regarding how the country aligns itself with EU values on issues like rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, and tackling corruption: a widespread issue in the region.
While challenges remain, recent actions demonstrate that Albania is making progress in addressing corruption and enforcing rule of law within its borders.
Since 2024, Albania has also taken significant steps to reduce corruption and increase transparency in its elections, while further aligning with EU standards, as the country has a long history of elections manipulated by fraud and ballot miscounts.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that he hopes to complete the negotiating process with the EU by 2027. Rama expects membership by 2030. Before accession to the bloc, Albania must undergo significant judicial reforms.
Accession: Judicial Reform
EU Commissioner Kos said during her visit to the country that focus needed to be turned to the implementation of reforms, “especially…justice reform”.
Kos went on to describe the reform as “a cornerstone of the EU integration process”.
Kos also praised the country for its alignment with the EU’s views on security and foreign policy.
The European Parliament plans to open an office in Tirana. The EU Enlargement Commissioner’s visit to Albania shows that the country is on the right track for EU membership.
Albania’s Accession: Work In Progress
However, the country still faces hurdles when it comes to enforcement of rule of law, judicial reform, and political instability.
Albania and the EU must not waste this opportunity for increased collaboration and cooperation, as they move towards the next stage of the process.
Albania could emerge as a model for other Balkan countries to follow as it advances in its candidacy towards EU membership.
This article is part of a series on the Balkans and the EU. You can read my previous article here.
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