From education to scientific research and foreign relations, Brussels lists a series of tasks that Albania must continue to fulfill until membership.
The provisional closure of the first three chapters at the 11th Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union marks Albania’s entry into the final phase of accession negotiations. Alongside this political step, Brussels has also made public the documents accompanying the decision, which assess the progress achieved by Albania, but also list the reforms and commitments that must be continued until the day of accession.
In the chapter on science and research, the EU appreciates the increase in public investment in this sector and Albania’s participation in the Horizon Europe program. However, Brussels demands that funding for scientific research continue to increase to the level of 1 percent of Gross Domestic Product by 2030, and that the funds foreseen be implemented in reality and not remain only on paper. The EU also calls for more cooperation between universities and the private sector, the implementation of innovation strategies and the strengthening of anti-corruption measures in the field of scientific research.
On the education and culture chapter, the European Commission urges Albania to increase public spending on education, as it remains below the European Union average. The document highlights the need to improve students’ basic skills, expand inclusive education, including for minority communities, and ensure textbooks in minority languages. In higher education, Albania should continue implementing the Bologna Process and bring universities closer to European standards. Meanwhile, in vocational education, the EU calls for stronger links with the labor market, expansion of professional internships, and more training opportunities for adults. Another point where Brussels stops is the fight against corruption in the education system, demanding that appointments of school and educational institution heads be based on merit and protected from political influence.
In the chapter on external relations, the European Union requires that Albania harmonise all international agreements with European legislation by the time of accession. This includes trade agreements, those on investment and economic cooperation with third countries. Brussels appreciates the fact that Albania has prepared an action plan and a complete inventory of these agreements, while requiring continuous coordination with the European Commission during the pre-accession period. The document also addresses the control of strategic foreign investments, the export of civilian and military dual-use products, the fight against corruption in foreign relations and the increase of administrative capacities for the implementation of European Union rules.
Although these three chapters have been provisionally closed, the European Union stresses that monitoring will continue until the conclusion of all negotiations. Any new developments in European legislation or lack of implementation of reforms could bring these issues back to the negotiating table.