"Albania could become part of the European Union even before 2030," said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, underlining that no fixed deadlines are set in this process, as it is based on merit.
Speaking at a discussion with the Atlantic Council on enlargement, she addressed the integration of the region into the European Union, as well as support for Western Balkan countries and other candidates, noting that Montenegro and Albania are the "leading candidates from the region".
"We usually do not set dates in the enlargement process, as it is merit-based. It depends on how candidate countries deliver results. However, we do support their ambitious goals. First, Montenegro, with a population of 650,000, could become the EU's 28th member. It is also possible for Albania to become an EU member by 2030 or even earlier," she said.
Among other points, the Commissioner emphasised that a country either becomes a full EU member with all rights or does not join at all.
"There is no such thing as easier membership. Either you are a member and have all the rights, or you are not and you do not have those rights. My role is to help countries become full members of the EU. The simple rule is this - if a country fulfils all the reforms and criteria, it should become a full member of the European Union. That is how our European treaty is designed," Kos said.
She further stressed that the European Union cannot afford to admit a country that would weaken it.
"I believe we cannot allow a new member state to weaken the Union. We are not a group of friends, but a community of values, and when a country wants to be part of that community and benefit from all its advantages, it must act responsibly and constructively. We must also take into account the interests of member states and their concerns," the Commissioner added.
How has Albania accelerated its path towards the EU?
Albania formally opened accession negotiations with the European Union in July 2022, together with North Macedonia. Cluster 1 - Fundamentals was opened in 2024, while additional clusters were opened during 2025, placing the country in a phase focused on meeting interim benchmarks and advancing negotiations.
Judicial reform has played a key role, alongside a clear political commitment to the EU, making Albania a crucial partner in the enlargement process.
The reform of the judiciary has been assessed as one of the most far-reaching in the region. The introduction of a vetting process for judges and prosecutors led to the dismissal of a large number of judicial office holders, creating space for the development of a more independent and professional system.
(EUpravo zato)
