A2 CNN – Gjipali: Albania has entered the most challenging phase of integration; the 2030 objective requires reform implementation and careful diplomacy, 26 May 2026

In an interview with A2 CNN, Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of the European Movement in Albania (EMA), emphasised that Albania has now entered the most challenging and closely monitored phase of its EU accession process. He noted that Brussels’ focus has shifted from the adoption of legislation to the effective implementation of reforms, as also highlighted in the IBAR report. According to Gjipali, the country’s main challenges remain strengthening the technical capacities of the public administration, ensuring effective management of funds and public procurement, and carefully managing bilateral relations, particularly with Greece, in order to avoid potential blockages through veto mechanisms. Although the objective of EU membership by 2030 remains achievable due to the current favourable geopolitical environment, Gjipali warned that the accession process requires genuine and sustained political commitment, as well as an urgent acceleration of reforms. He stressed that the rise of far-right movements and Euroscepticism in key European countries could pose risks to the future of the enlargement process.

A2 CNN – Gjipali: Albania has entered the most challenging phase of integration; the 2030 objective requires reform implementation and careful diplomacy, 26 May 2026