Report TV – Gjipali: Chapters 25, 26 and 30 mark only the beginning; the real challenges of EU membership still lie ahead, 14 July 2026

Invited to a televised interview on Report TV, Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of the European Movement in Albania (EMA), discussed the provisional closure of Chapters 25, 26, and 30, describing them as among the relatively easier chapters to conclude in Albania’s EU accession negotiations. Providing a detailed analysis of these chapters and their progress, Gjipali explained that Chapter 25 covers science and research, Chapter 26 focuses on education and culture, while Chapter 30 concerns external relations. He expressed particular optimism about Chapter 30, highlighting not only its political dimension but also its importance for Albania’s economic relations with international partners.

Assessing the overall progress of the accession process, Gjipali warned that Albania will now face the most demanding and costly negotiating chapters, including those on the environment and food safety, which require substantial investments and stronger administrative capacity. He stressed that the success of the entire accession process ultimately depends on continued progress in judicial reform and the fight against corruption, noting that any setbacks in these fundamental areas could automatically delay the closure of other negotiating chapters. Gjipali also described Albania’s progress alongside Montenegro as a strategic advantage, as it helps reduce the risk of bilateral blockages during the accession process. Concluding the interview, he emphasised that despite the significant costs associated with EU accession, the overarching objective is to achieve European standards at home, thereby improving citizens’ quality of life and helping to curb emigration.

Report TV – Gjipali: Chapters 25, 26 and 30 mark only the beginning; the real challenges of EU membership still lie ahead, 14 July 2026