EU agrees to open membership talks with Albania

On 24 March 2020, the European Union (EU) — through its General Affairs Council — formally agreed to open accession (membership) talks with Albania (alongside North Macedonia). This decision marked a historic milestone for Albania’s long‑standing ambition to join the EU. After years of delays and earlier vetoes by some member states, the political consensus in Brussels to begin accession negotiations was hailed as “good news” and a clear signal of support for Albania’s European future. With the green light, the EU acknowledged the reforms and commitments Albania had made, while also emphasising the work still needed — particularly on judicial reform, fighting corruption and organised crime, protecting media freedom, and aligning with the EU’s legal and political standards. For Albania, the decision opened a new chapter in its European integration: the start of formal accession negotiations. Leaders in Tirana described it as a major achievement and a validation of years of effort.