SCAN TV – EU Integration, Expert: Energy Progress, Challenge, Environment, September 17, 2025

Invited to Scan TV to provide a detailed analysis of the opening of Chapter 4, Nirvana Deliu, an expert on the European integration process at the European Movement in Albania (EMA), commented on Albania’s progress on its journey towards the European Union. Deliu said that in less than a year, five out of six Chapters have been opened. The focus of Chapter 4 is the Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity, which includes four technical chapters: Chapter 14 – Transport Policy; Chapter 15 – Energy; Chapter 21 – Trans-European Networks; and Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change.

Deliu emphasized that the legislation of Chapter 27 is considered horizontal, as it also affects other chapters such as Chapter 23. But even in this case, the EU monitors the process of Albania’s advancement by looking at the latter’s ability to adapt laws, the delivery of results and, above all, the effects that are expected to be provided. Further, Deliu emphasized that one of the main challenges remains the completion of the capacities to implement EU legislation, as these chapters, mainly Chapter 27, require large financial investments and human resources. And if we base ourselves on the assessments coming from the European Commission Report, they show that most of the chapters are at an average level of preparation, since we as a state do not have a high level of preparation related to the readiness of the candidate country to implement the legislation as it should.

Deliu stated that the opening of the chapters is not a difficult process, but their progress and successful closing shows how much Albania is advancing. Meanwhile, Albania is a unique case and Albania’s acceleration to become part of the European Union is related to internal and external factors such as the influence of geopolitical actors. However, the EU has given a special focus to enlargement with the arrival of Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, while previous commissioners did not give it priority. It is worth noting here that the fear of escalating Russian aggression or that the Western Balkan countries could become pro-Eastern countries has pushed EU leaders to have a more cooperative approach.

On the other hand, Albania has proven time and again that relations with foreign countries are stable and cooperative, as demonstrated during the holding of several important summits in Tirana. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has repeatedly stated that Albania’s EU membership mission by 2027 is on track, but with such an accelerated pace, some factors remain non-negotiable, such as the fight against corruption and organised crime, democracy and the rule of law, which require a lot of work. And for this open Chapter Group, the challenge also remains the establishment of the relevant Chapter 27 structures. However, the EU is pushing for continuous improvements in railway safety, the institutional framework and close cooperation with European railway agencies. In conclusion, Deliu said that Albania can negotiate the deadlines for meeting the standards, but not the content.

SCAN TV – EU Integration, Expert: Energy Progress, Challenge, Environment, September 17, 2025