EU, Albania begin first stage of membership talks

Discussions on the first set of issues within the process of Albania's integration into the European Union have commenced, said Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.

During a press conference in Luxembourg alongside Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Szijjártó emphasised that Albania fully meets the requirements to begin EU accession talks, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He added that the country's membership would benefit all EU member states.

"Albania is performing well in the accession process, and with the opening of the first, fundamental chapters in the EU accession negotiations, the country has reached another important milestone in its enlargement efforts," Szijjártó added.

According to him, one of the key priorities of the Hungarian Presidency is to advance EU enlargement, as the European Union requires renewed momentum, fresh energy, and new perspectives, which the Western Balkans can provide.

"I look forward to Albania's continued progress on its path to EU membership," the minister stressed.

Notably, Albania is set to become the first candidate country to begin accession talks under the updated enlargement methodology, marking a significant milestone for the Western Balkan nation.

The initial chapters focus on key reforms, which will lay the groundwork for discussions on other areas. The speed of negotiations will largely depend on the progress made in these reforms.

By Aghakazim Guliyev