ABC News – Integration, final chapters opened; Gjipali: An even more important phase begins, the work will be intensive, 17 November 2025

Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of the European Movement in Albania (EMA), during an interview on ABC News, analysed the opening of negotiations for Cluster 5 – Agriculture, Resources and Cohesion, as well as the work that still needs to be done for the successful closure of the other clusters. Gjipali described the opening of negotiations for Cluster 5 as significant, emphasizing that intensive and continuous work is required, focused on all issues. The tasks are much more concrete and there are no longer priorities to choose from. Furthermore, Gjipali stated that the path is now clear and the standards defining where Albania needs to reach are also clear, but it depends on Albania itself whether it will achieve the main objectives by 2027 or whether delays in the process will begin again. He also highlighted Chapter 11 – Agriculture and Rural Development and the importance the European Union attaches to this field, arguing this through the direct payments provided to farmers, which require strong administrative capacities. In conclusion, Gjipali once again underlined the fact that the limited time available does not allow for the setting of priorities. He also noted that interim benchmarks must be fulfilled before all clusters can be closed. To this end, the strengthening of administrative capacities and the willingness for political dialogue in certain areas must be encouraged.

ABC News – Integration, final chapters opened; Gjipali: An even more important phase begins, the work will be intensive, 17 November 2025