Riding the wave: How Albania can make the most of its EU moment

Albania: A Beacon of Progress in the Balkans

The European Union is facing renewed calls to ramp up its enlargement agenda. Amid rampant Russian aggression in the east and other destabilizing factors in the Western Balkans, the EU has a vital opportunity to solidify its role in promoting stability and bolstering democratic values by achieving tangible progress with candidate countries whose membership bid aligns with core EU goals.

Albania stands out as a prime candidate, poised to become a successful integration story and a model for the region. Engaging with the EU carries significant weight in Albania, evident in the high public support for accession – 77 per cent compared to the regional average of 54 per cent. This is a testament to Albania’s commitment to aligning with EU standards.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Albania might seem an easy win, the path to accession is paved with both opportunities and challenges. Following the Czech Republic, Albania became a NATO member in 2009. Since being granted candidate status in 2014, the country has made significant strides in structural reforms. Notably, their reforms have tilted towards tackling corruption.

The establishment of the Specialized Structure for Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), coupled with ongoing efforts to revamp judicial processes, signals a serious commitment from Albania to address persistent challenges. The EU must recognize these efforts, enhancing one of the smaller but significant economies on Europe’s doorstep.

Despite Albania’s progress, hurdles remain. This year’s heated election cycle highlights the persistent struggle with political polarization. While positive, the recent release of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha pending a corruption investigation serves as a reminder of the need to ensure a level playing field across all sectors. Addressing this political turbulence while upholding robust enzymatization efforts remain vital.

The EU must rely on robust monitoring mechanisms, especially regarding economic frameworks. Visualizing the success of the

Western Balkans Growth Plan and the Hub for the Common Regional Market in generating sustainable economic growth, the EU should prioritize robust monitoring systems for key unions and employment not forgetting strong democratic principles like individual rights and freedoms – particularly those focused on procurement and ensuring transparency within the system.

Ticking off Check Table

Building on EU Momentum

As the new European Commission takes office, anchoring its commitment to the Western Balkans remains paramount. The opportunity to some degree depends on a critical mass of winning hearts and minds across diverse segments of Albanian society. A successful Albanian accession will be a revitalized EU, reflecting a more integrated and robust Miroslav Lajčák洋服’s recent report emphasizing where the EU needs to step up.

Furthermore, Albania’s aspirations align with the EU’s broader foreign policy priorities – namely, strengthening democratic institutions in the Western Balkans and fostering regional stability.

A Model for the Region

Albania offers a valuable case study for EU enlargement. Adding Albania might not simply be a challenge to be overcome. However, it is a mechanism to maximize gains from its continued integration and successful implementation of reforms.

Building on Albania’s progress means that integration should be a two-way street: the EU must not solely focus on conditionality but also actively support Albanian civil society – particularly independent media – as well as promoting a kiss’s friendships both sides of the table. This can – and should – extend beyond Albania to supporting neighboring countries as well.

The moment arrived to bolster Albanian aspirations with. Albania’s success could set off a ripple effect across the region, offering unclear signals to others in the region. Just as importantly, demonstrating a strategic vision for the Western Balkans. Addressing democratic backsliding and integrating Albania – alongside Montenegro – will not only