Selim Ibraimi- Given the current dynamics and assuming no unexpected developments occur, Montenegro could join the EU by 2028. Albania, based on current trends and despite internal challenges and deeply rooted corruption, could be ready following Montenegro’s accession. This indicates that the region, following the EU accession of Slovenia (2004) and Croatia (2013) has moved forward with steady, albeit slow, progress; a process that can be viewed as a successful enlargement policy toward the Western Balkans. According to the latest report from the European Commission (EC), Montenegro is entering the final phase of its EU integration, having concluded 21 out of the 33 negotiating chapters. According to European Commission assessments, the country could sign an accession treaty as early as June 2027 and become the 28th member in 2028.
Meanwhile, the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, posted an update on X stating: “The EU Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, presented me with the European Commission’s Progress Report, which reaffirms our country’s continued advancement on the path toward European integration.The report acknowledges the significant progress Albania has made in advancing key reforms and underscores our commitment to achieving our strategic objective: full membership in the European Union. ”The report highlights the reforms undertaken and the need for the government to provide democratic space for dialogue, while emphasizing that there is no place for violence.
“Confrontation slows down reforms and delays the benefits of EU membership for the Albanian people. This is a national project, and it will only move forward if built together,” noted Sofia Moreira de Sousa, the EU Ambassador to Albania, on X. As EU officials present their report to candidate countries including North Macedonia, which has stalled on essential reforms while adopting a broad approach regarding negotiation chapters and clusters, it is worth recalling some details of Albania’s progress since 1991, or following the democratic elections of 1992.
Albania, which emerged with a devastated, Stalinist-style economy, has made remarkable progress in every respect. More than three decades after those elections and the establishment of a pluralistic system, Albania is a transformed country.
Despite political friction and other issues, both the Democratic Party (PD) and the Socialist Party (PS) have had their merits and shortcomings throughout the transition process. Under the leadership of these parties at different times Albania has achieved significant progress, though it has, naturally, also experienced periods of decline.
Despite the challenges, Albania is a NATO member, is developing its tourism and business sectors, and is an EU candidate country a path that could lead to full membership around 2030 or thereafter. On the other hand, there are negative examples within the region. It is somewhat difficult to observe how other states in the Balkan region which were ahead of Albania after 1992 have now, tragically, fallen behind in every aspect and sector; for instance, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and so on.
I still remember that day in June 1992 when I first entered Albania, and I still find it hard to believe the improvements achieved and the economic growth especially when compared to the decline currently being experienced by North Macedonia.While there were once many foreign nationals present as part of various missions and programs, today there are thousands of foreign citizens living in Albania.
A friend of mine here in the U.S. is moving to Albania specifically to Pogradec this month. Furthermore, some people go to Albania to fill jobs that Albanian citizens do not wish to take, while others go simply because the conditions in Albania are good.
I have not met anyone who considers moving to North Macedonia, except perhaps for temporary government assignments or other similar reasons. In the context of the EU report, the message is that reform trends must continue and serve as an example for others where processes have stalled. Albania and Montenegro are such modest examples. European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, presented the 2026 EU Enlargement Package in Brussels on November 4, 2026.Commissioner Marta Kos noted significant progress in EU accession negotiations specifically highlighting Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine while omitting Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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