Ora News – “Steps toward the EU,” Gjipali: Membership will happen only upon fulfilling the required criteria, October 22, 2025

Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of the European Movement in Albania (EMA), analysed on Ora News Albania’s possible accession to the European Union without veto rights until the EU completes its internal reforms. Gjipali emphasized that reaching such an agreement remains closely tied to Albania’s fulfillment of a series of standards and conditions, which does not alter the country’s progressive path toward integration. Regarding Cluster 5, which has not yet been opened and includes sectors such as agriculture and food safety, statistics show a decline in harmonisation between this sector and EU standards, as well as reported issues concerning food safety. In this regard, an increase in government funding has been noted, though not at a sufficient level, highlighting the need to unblock EU funds. Gjipali underlined the importance of a faster institutional response to correct past mismanagement of EU funds.

On the other hand, food safety requires investment, information, and education for farmers, traders, and consumers, as well as the preparation of national testing laboratories, since the current tools in use are mostly foreign. In Cluster 4 – Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity, which has already been opened, Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change remains the most complex, as environmental challenges require more time. Albania has room to request extended deadlines through transitional provisions, given that environmental standards are among the most difficult and costly to meet. These transitional provisions refer to clauses allowing specific standards to be achieved several years after membership, due to the substantial financial investments they demand. Finally, Gjipali stressed that a crucial factor remains the role of the negotiating team, which must convincingly demonstrate to the European side that Albania can meet these standards.

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