Albania's EU accession faces legislative delays and procedural hurdles

Parliamentary deputy Jorida Tabaku warned that Albania’s EU integration process is hindered by a lack of time for drafting and consulting legislation. She noted that only three of the required chapters – science and research, education and culture, and foreign relations – have been closed, while neighboring Montenegro has finalized seventeen. Tabaku emphasized that “this is not a law‑making process, it is an implementation process,” calling for more consultation with the business community and quicker adoption of the necessary legal framework.

Political analysts argue that the formal decision on Albania’s EU membership has already been made at a strategic level, with the current stage reduced to completing procedural requirements. They point out that, similar to the NATO accession, the country has not yet met all formal criteria but still secured membership, suggesting that diplomatic relationships and political timing will shape the final outcome.