Ora News – Deliu: Deadlock over the IBAR Report, political polarisation, and regional competition,14 May 2026

In a live interview, Ms Nirvana Deliu, an expert on European integration, provided an in-depth analysis of Albania’s current progress on its path towards EU membership. She emphasised that, although the country is in the final stages of the accession negotiations and has officially opened all negotiation clusters, the process is currently stalled over the adoption of the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR). This report, which assesses compliance with the interim benchmarks for Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom and Security, is a non-negotiable prerequisite for moving forward with the closure of other negotiation chapters, regardless of progress made in other policy areas.

Commenting on recent developments, Ms Deliu noted that the increasingly confrontational rhetoric and deep political polarisation between the governing majority and the opposition in the Albanian Parliament are undermining the technical accession process by delaying the extensive legislative agenda, which requires the adoption of around 600 laws by 2027. Referring to the findings of EU institutions, she explained that reports by the European Parliament continue to highlight shortcomings in the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts. In conclusion, Deliu pointed out that Montenegro remains the most advanced country in the region on its path towards EU membership, arguing that this should serve as an incentive for Albania to overcome its delays and internal political divisions.

Ora News – Deliu: Deadlock over the IBAR Report, political polarisation, and regional competition,14 May 2026