SCAN TV – ‘’European Albanian’’- Gledis Gjipali, Albanian Business in the Face of the EU Internal Market, 13 January 2026

In “Shqipëria Europiane” studio, in SCAN TV, the Expert of European integration, Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of European Movement in Albania, commented about the actual phase of  the negotiating process of Albania for joining the EU but also topics related to the open and common European market. Gjipali claimed that the common market is the foundation of the EU and the driving force for development. This is important for Albania once joining the union and it will influence the businesses to be part of this market.

During the interview, four freedoms were mentioned and standards that Albania must complete now that the negotiation process has started. Among them, Chapter 1 – Free Movement  of Goods is included, which is a complex chapter, as it concerns all products traded within the country as well as those that will be exported once there is a common market with well-defined standards for how they are produced and marketed.

The EU-Albania’s Stabilisation-Association Agreement has enabled that one part of the internal market to be functional but with limitations. A big shock will be avoided once we join the union.  Equally important is Chapter 2 – Free Movement of Workers that is related to the right to work in EU’s member states for independent professions such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants who have certifications and diplomas. The third freedom is related with the “Right to establishment and freedom to provide services” with a specific group of businesses that are important. Lawyers and economists have extensive work to perform as the harmonisation of the legislation will be gradual and not harmful to businesses. Meanwhile, the fourth freedom that is related with “Free movement of Capital”, is a sector where we are more advanced compared to the other three Chapters. Membership may help the entire process, as benefits for businesses and citizens begin, Gjipali further adds. He also highlighted that the main benefit for the society is achieving the European standards, which brings quality and greater safety for the Albanian consumer, but it is important to mention that these benefits come with their own risk.

Overall, it has happened in other accessions that a group of businesses has not been able to cope with the competition in the European market, and consequently, these businesses have either been transformed or ceased their activity. This could also happen   to small businesses that operate in  the trade  of food products, where  EU standards are high and require very significant investment in Albania. In other member countries during the process, such businesses have been pushed out of the market.

As for the agriculture sector, Gjipali drew attention to small farms’ domination, agriculture production is low and fragmented, and these elements make domestic production uncompetitive. This could lead to a structural transformation of agriculture, which is very important. Meanwhile, other sectors that are isolated will also face difficulties due to a lack of information. Likewise, the lack of capacity at the level of public institutions, which are also responsible for disseminating  accurate information prior to accession and channelling of funds, is problematic.

SCAN TV – ‘’European Albanian’’- Gledis Gjipali, Albanian Business in the Face of the EU Internal Market, 13 January 2026