On October 15, Albania officially opened its first chapter in negotiations for European Union membership. This historic step was praised by Prime Minister Edi Rama during a joint press conference with Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Luxembourg. Rama emphasized the importance of this achievement for both Albania and the broader Balkan region, calling it a “cornerstone” in Albania’s journey toward the EU. The negotiations will initially focus on rule of law reforms, a critical area under the EU’s new accession methodology.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto called for the acceleration of the EU enlargement process, particularly in the Western Balkans, highlighting the region’s importance to the future of Europe. He expressed his hope that Albania’s EU journey would proceed swiftly and efficiently, urging Brussels to complete its bureaucratic requirements. Additionally, EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi reaffirmed the need for expansion to strengthen the Union.

Albania’s negotiations come at a pivotal time for the country, as it finally advances its EU membership bid after years of delays. The opening of this first chapter separates Albania’s path from North Macedonia, whose EU accession has been blocked by Bulgaria due to unresolved historical disputes. This progress offers renewed hope for Albanians, fulfilling a long-held dream of closer ties with Europe.