MCN TV – Third Intergovernmental Conference with the EU / Deliu: Opening Cluster 6 will help Albania significantly, 16 December 2024
On December 16, Nirvana Deliu, Expert on Integration, was invited to MCN TV to discuss the third Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union. Deliu stated that Cluster 6, which is expected to be opened on December 17, will be relatively easy to harmonise the EU legislation for Albania, as assessments from EU institutions have been considerably positive and Albania is well-prepared, meaning progress is being made. When asked if Albania’s alignment with the EU’s positions would help it close the chapters in a shorter time frame, the expert affirmed that it would. According to her, for this specific cluster, no interim benchmarks may be required, but direct closing criteria will be expected. In conclusion, Deliu emphasized that it is very difficult to predict when Albania will become a full EU member, as the process can always have unforeseen obstacles. These surprises are not always linked to the lack of reforms being implemented, but could also come from vetoes. She stated that it is hard to determine, but as long as we continue at this pace, we are not far from achieving that goal.