The EP Foreign Commission approves the report, the Scheeder Eurodeput: Albania, one of two leading EU enlargement countries

The report, drafted by the Rapporteur for Albania at the EP, Andreas Schieder, was approved by 58 votes, 7 against and 7 abstentions. According to the report, the goal of the country being ready for membership in 2027 is reportedly possible.

I just want to stress that Albania is also considered by our Commissioner, Marta Kos, as one of the two leading countries in terms of enlargement. We have also tried to reflect this in this report, but in addition to what is discussed in the Commission's report, we have also wanted to highlight several other issues, which means that reforms should be reflected in the daily lives of citizens, and we have especially tried to focus on the social situation in Albania”, said the rapporteur Scheeder during the vote in the Foreign Commission.

Full report:

The European Parliament,

In view of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one hand, and the Republic of Albania, on the other,

In view of Albania's application for EU membership, presented on April 24th 2009.

In view of European Parliament's (BE) correction 2021/1529 and the Council of September 15, 2021 for the creation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III),

In view of the European Parliament's (BE) correction 2024/1449 and the Council of May 14, 2024 for the establishment of the Reform and Growth Mechanism for the Western Balkans,

) given the communication of the February 5, 2020 Commission “Strengthening the membership process a reliable EU perspective for the Western Balkans”,

In view of the communication of the November 8, 2023 Commission “

In view of Albania's Reforms Agency presented under the EU Reform and Growth Mechanism, as approved by the Commission on 23 October 2024,

In view of the communication of the Commission on July 8, 2025 “Report for the State of Law 2025”, accompanied by the Commission's service work document “Report for Law State 2025 Chapter for the rule of law situation in Albania”,

In view of the communication of the November 4th, 2025 “Communications 2025 for the EU Enlargement Policy”, associated with the work document “Report for Albania 2025”,

In view of October 23rd 2025 final report by the ODIHR Election Monitoring Mission The SEU on Albania's May 11th 2025 parliamentary elections,

In view of the statement of the EU/Western Balkans Summit held in Brussels on December 17, 2025,

In view of previous resolutions for Albania,

In view of the 55th article of his Order,

In view of the Commission for Foreign Affairs report (A10-0000/2026),

A. Since EU enlargement remains a strategic investment in peace, security, stability and democratic and socio-economic development across the entire European continent;

B. Since Albania has maintained a clear strategic orientation towards EU membership and has demonstrated full compliance with the EU's common foreign and security policy (CFSP);

C. Since Albania has been a candidate country since 2014, membership negotiations have begun in July 2022, successfully completed the process of “creing” in November 2023 and opened all negotiations groups between October 15th 2024 and November 17th 2025;

D. Since the Commission's 2025 Report confirms that the country continues to make progress in most areas related to membership, while stressing the need for deeper, sustainable and irreversible reforms;

E. Since the credibility of the enlargement process depends on strict conditioning, the progress based on merit and effective implementation of reforms, not only on formal adoption of legislation;

F. Since strengthening democratic institutions, independence of the judiciary, fighting corruption, media freedom and fundamental rights remain essential for Albania's journey towards membership;

G. Since O recommendations SBE/ ODIHR for improving the election process has not yet been fully implemented;

1. Hail Albania's extraordinary commitment to EU integration, based on consensus between political forces and broad civic support, as well as the fact that all chapters opened in just 13 months;

2. Hail ambition to close negotiations by the end of 2027 and rapid progress in recent years; emphasises the need for full implementation of legislation;

3. Notes that the electoral framework is generally considered appropriate, but expresses concerns about the equality of conditions, misuse of administrative resources, accusations of vote buying and pressure on voters; calls for comprehensive electoral reform and implementation of O recommendations SBE/ ODIHR and Venice Commission;

4. I express concern for political polarisation and confrontational discurs that undermine the functioning of democratic institutions;

5. Incures strengthening the overseer role of the Parliament, legislative transparency and consultation with civil society;

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## The rule of law, judiciary and fighting corruption

6. Hail the continuation of reform in justice and the veting process; notes challenges such as delays in issues and efforts for unfair influence;

7. It requires strengthening justice governance bodies and investments in infrastructure and digitalisation;

8. The emphasis that corruption remains serious concern and requires strengthening investigations and penalties, especially at high levels;

9. Insist on addressing corruption at all levels to increase citizens' trust;

10. The importance of fighting organised crime and co-operating with EU agencies such as Europol and Eurojust;

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## Basic rights and media freedom

11. It requires stronger protection of freedom of expression and media pluralism;

12. Incures strengthening the protection of vulnerable minorities and groups, including Roma, Egyptians, disabled persons, immigrant workers and LGBTIQ+ persons; expresses concern for antiginic rhetoric;

13. Stress the need to improve access to justice;

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## Reform in public administration

14. It values progress, but requires depoliticisation and merit-based recruiting;

15. It requires better policy planning and budgetary transparency;

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## socio-economic reform and environment

16. Hail commitment to the EU Growth Plan, but notes structural weaknesses such as informality and low productivity;

17. It stresses the importance of investments in education and innovation;

18. Underlines the importance of social dialogue and union representation;

Nineteen. I express concern about lack of progress in environment and climate;

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## Foreign policy and regional co-operation

20. Praises full compliance with EU foreign and security policy;

21. Fear the importance of good neighbourly relations;

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## EU support

22. Hail EU financial and technical assistance, emphasising its connection to implementation of reforms;

23. They charge the president of Parliament to submit this resolution to relevant EU institutions and authorities of the Republic of Albania.

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♪ EXPLAIN

This report praises Albania's progress towards EU membership and includes Parliament's response to its 2025 enlargement report.

Albania, a candidate country since 2014, has started negotiations in July 2022 and has opened the entire group of chapters by November 2025, at a record time.

To achieve the goal of membership by the end of the decade, effective implementation of reforms will be essential.

Despite progress, the challenges remain political polarisation, strengthening the rule of law and consolidating anti-corruption reforms.