The Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, Maida Gorčević, visited the Republic of Albania on an official visit, where she met with the State Minister and chief negotiator, Majlinda Dhuka. During the meeting, they discussed further strengthening bilateral cooperation within the European integration process, with a particular focus on the implementation of reforms, progress in negotiations, and the benefits of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
The ministers assessed that Montenegro and Albania are leaders in the EU accession process and that, together, they can contribute to accelerating the European integration of the Western Balkans through the sharing of experiences, synchronization of reform efforts, and mutual support in key negotiation areas.
Montenegro, as the most advanced country in the negotiation process, continues to meet the final criteria in order to close negotiation chapters, while Albania, negotiating under the new methodology, is intensively working on opening additional negotiation clusters, having already opened two, with plans to open two more by June.
“Montenegro and Albania share the same strategic goal – full EU membership. This visit further confirms the strong partnership between our countries and our commitment to the European future of the region. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a clear signal that the European Union recognizes and rewards reform efforts, which further motivates us to accelerate the reform process and make it visible to our citizens,” Minister Gorčević said.
State Minister Majlinda Dhuka emphasized that regional cooperation is crucial for strengthening the European perspective of the Western Balkans and highlighted the importance of Montenegro’s experience in closing chapters, which can be useful for Albania as it progresses through negotiation clusters.
“Albania and Montenegro are already demonstrating how neighborly cooperation can contribute to faster progress in the negotiation process. The exchange of experiences, particularly in the areas of rule of law, economic reforms, and public administration, can ensure greater efficiency in implementing necessary reforms. We are confident that with decisive reforms and European support, we will meet the conditions for further opening negotiation clusters, while Montenegro will close its chapters,” Dhuka stated.
The ministers also discussed reforms in the areas of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, which are key conditions for progress in the negotiation process. They particularly emphasized the need for stronger institutional cooperation in the fight against hybrid threats and alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
During the visit, Minister Gorčević will deliver a lecture to students at the College of Europe in Tirana on the topic “Accelerated Enlargement Policy in the Western Balkans: The Case of Montenegro,” where she will reflect on the reform efforts and successes Montenegro has achieved in the past year, as well as on the plan to close all chapters by the end of 2026.
Montenegro and Albania continue their intensive cooperation on the European path, with the shared goal of bringing the region into the European family as soon as possible.