European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has praised Albania’s progress on its path towards European Union membership, highlighting the provisional closure of four negotiation chapters and urging the country to maintain the pace of reforms to meet its ambitious target of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2027.

Speaking at the European Parliament, Kos said Albania had reached an important milestone this year by fulfilling the interim benchmarks for the Fundamentals cluster, adding that the country had since provisionally closed four chapters and was working to meet the closing benchmarks for others.

However, she stressed that sustained progress in key areas remains essential if Albania is to achieve its 2027 objective.

Kos underlined the importance of strengthening the rule of law, ensuring an independent judiciary, safeguarding media freedom and protecting fundamental rights. She also called for greater progress on environmental issues, describing them as a priority not only for EU accession but also for Albanian society and citizens’ everyday lives.

“The pace at which Albania is implementing EU reforms is an indication of its commitment to joining the European Union,” Kos said.

She emphasized that reforms must deliver tangible benefits for citizens, noting that progress in justice, fundamental rights and environmental protection is essential both for Albania’s European integration and for improving the quality of life across the country.

The European Commissioner's remarks come as Albania continues its EU accession process, with the end of 2027 set as the target for concluding negotiations.