Cluster 6 – External Relations

Cluster 6 covers several important aspects of foreign policy, including Albania’s alignment with EU policies on international relations, trade, and diplomatic affairs. As part of its EU accession process, Albania must ensure its foreign policy and practices align with the EU’s principles and strategies, including the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). This includes strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries, engaging in regional stability efforts, and supporting the EU’s external priorities. The opening of Cluster 6 is a clear recognition of Albania’s alignment with the EU’s foreign policy. The country has made significant strides also in areas such as regional cooperation and approximation with EU legislation on international trade. These reforms are crucial for Albania’s future role within the EU and its contribution to the broader European and global political landscape.

Cluster 6 is composed of 2 chapters: Chapter 30 – External Relations and Chapter 31 – Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy, which were opened simultaneously at the Third Intergovernmental Conference between EU and Albania on 17 December 2024, and provisional closing benchmarks were set for these chapters’ closure. 

Chapter 30 – External Relations

This chapter focuses on the alignment of Albania’s foreign policy with the European Union’s foreign, security, and defense policies. It ensures that Albania’s external relations are in sync with the EU’s broader foreign policy objectives, including peace, security, and regional cooperation. This is key for Albania’s role in the EU’s international standing and influence.

This chapter deals with the EU’s common trade policy, bilateral agreements with third countries, as well as development policy and humanitarian aid. 

 – EU Common Trade Policy – The Common Trade Policy (CTP)

 – Bilateral agreements with third countries 

 – Development Policy and Humanitarian Aid

After the opening of negotiations for Cluster 6, two provisional closing benchmarks have been set for this chapter:

• Albania aligns its legal framework with the remaining provisions of Regulation (EU) 2021/821 on the export control of dual-use items, as amended, with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2019/452 on FDI screening, as amended, and implement the remaining provisions of Regulation (EU) 2019/125 on anti-torture.  
• Albania submits to the Commission an action plan with a comprehensive inventory of its international agreements with a view to bringing these agreements into conformity with the acquis from the day of accession.

Chapter 31 – Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy

This chapter aims to integrate Albania into the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). It requires Albania to align its foreign and defense policies with the EU’s standards, focusing on security, peace, and stability both in the region and globally. Albania must demonstrate its commitment to EU standards in areas such as conflict prevention, defense cooperation, and crisis management.

The acquis for Chapter 31 can be divided into two areas: European Political Cooperation and Common, Foreign and Security Policy.

– Cooperation with international organizations

– Weapons control

– European security and defense policy

After the opening of negotiations for Cluster 6, a provisional closing benchmark has been set for this chapter:

• Albania – as a signatory of the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC) – fully aligns its position with the Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP of 21 March 2011 and the EU Guiding Principles concerning Arrangements between a State Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC and the United States regarding the Conditions to Surrender of Persons to the Court, annexed to the Council Conclusions of 30 September 2002 on the International Criminal Court

Screening Timetable for EU-Albania Cluster 6

Chapter 30- External Relations

Chapter 31- Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy

Screening report AL Cluster 6, November 2024

EU Common Position Cluster 6 – Albania