Albania makes further progress on EU accession

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, today (26 May) welcomed the continued progression of Albania's EU accession process, at the 8th Intergovernmental Conference with Albania, held in Brussels.

Today's meeting took stock of Albania's progress on the rule of law chapters - Chapter 23 on Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, and Chapter 24 on Justice, Freedom and Security. It was confirmed that Albania has fulfilled the interim benchmarks set in these areas.

Welcoming the progress, Minister Byrne said: "I commend the efforts made by Albania to get to this stage in their EU accession process. Today's fulfilment of the Rule of Law chapters is a significant step, as it paves the way for Albania to begin closing negotiating chapters. Adherence to the Rule of Law and fundamental reforms remain the bedrock of the EU enlargement process. The pace of reform directly impacts the speed of EU accession negotiations."

Minister Byrne continued: "Ireland remains ready to support further progress Albania's EU accession process during the upcoming Irish EU Presidency. We encourage Albania to continue the necessary reforms, on its EU journey, and we look forward to Albania starting to close negotiating chapters, a goal which Ireland strongly wishes to facilitate during our EU Presidency."

ENDS

Press Office

26 May 2026

Negotiating chapters are divided in six thematic clusters: fundamentals; internal market; competitiveness and inclusive growth; green agenda and sustainable connectivity; resources, agriculture and cohesion; and external relations.

Under the EU enlargement methodology, chapters 23 and 24 are part of Cluster 1, which covers fundamentals.

Rule of Law interim benchmarks are specific requirements that candidate countries must fulfil with regard to judicial reform and fundamental rights before closing EU accession chapters.