Ora News – Albania-Italy government meeting; Deliu: Agreements focus on investments and infrastructure, 14 November 2025

Nirvana Deliu, Expert on the European integration process at the European Movement in Albania (EMA), during an interview on Ora News, analysed the meeting between the Albanian and Italian governments and the expected impact of the agreements signed between them on Albania’s European path. Deliu considered the agreements between the two governments important, highlighting that several of them are directly related to the investments Italy plans to make in Albania, the strengthening of institutional capacities and infrastructure in specific areas, as well as increasing operational cooperation and coordination between Italian and Albanian authorities.

She also discussed the main challenges of the negotiation process and the post-accession phase, noting the need to establish and adapt special structures to ensure proper absorption and management of EU funds allocated to Albania, in order to avoid having to return these funds. Regarding this year’s (progress) report, Deliu stated that in some chapters Albania has not made significant progress and needs to work more on improving standards in chapters such as Agriculture, Food Safety, and the Environment. In conclusion, Deliu emphasized the importance of meritocracy in the process, suggesting that it is better to join the EU later but fully prepared. Concerning the negotiation process, Albania may request transitional periods for some chapters, but not for those covering justice reform, and similar critical areas.