Albania’s EU Journey
A clear and accessible guide to Albania’s path towards European Union membership — from application and candidate status to accession negotiations, reform milestones and the steps still ahead.
A European path moving forward
Albania applied for EU membership in 2009 and became a candidate country in 2014. Accession negotiations formally began with the first Intergovernmental Conference in July 2022.
The process has since gathered momentum. Albania opened negotiations on all 33 chapters by the end of 2025. In July 2026, three chapters — science and research, education and culture, and external relations — were provisionally closed. Closing benchmarks have also been set for the rule-of-law chapters under the Fundamentals cluster.
Every step is based on merit. Progress depends on reforms being adopted, implemented and producing lasting results. That makes the accession journey more than a sequence of meetings: it is a process of transformation that strengthens institutions, the economy and citizens’ rights.
Albania’s EU Journey
2009
Application for EU membership
2014
EU candidate status
2022
Accession negotiations begin
2025
All 33 chapters opened
2026
Three chapters provisionally closed
Where Albania stands today
As of 14 July 2026, negotiations have been opened on all 33 chapters. Three chapters — science and research, education and culture, and external relations — have been provisionally closed. Closing benchmarks have also been set for the rule-of-law chapters under the Fundamentals cluster.
What happens next
The process continues on merit. Albania must meet the closing benchmarks for each chapter and demonstrate that reforms are implemented and produce lasting results. Chapters remain provisionally closed until the negotiations as a whole are completed and the conditions for accession are agreed.
Official sources: Council of the EU – Albania | European Commission – Albania