Information society and media
Chapter 10: Information Society and Media
The acquis includes specific rules on electronic communications, on information society services, in particular electronic commerce and conditional access services, and on audio-visual services. In the field of electronic communications, the acquis aims to eliminate obstacles to the effective operation of the internal market in telecommunications services and networks, to promote competition and to safeguard consumer interests in the sector, including universal availability of modern services. As regards audio-visual policy, the acquis requires the legislative alignment with the Television without Frontiers Directive, which creates the conditions for the free movement of television broadcasts within the EU. The acquis aims to the establishment of a transparent, predictable and effective regulatory framework for public and private broadcasting in line with European standards. The acquis also requires the capacity to participate in the community programmes Media Plus and Media Training.
Information Society and Media is an important part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s policies and regulations with EU standards to ensure a competitive and dynamic information society and media environment.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Digital Infrastructure: Developing and modernizing digital infrastructure to ensure widespread access to high-speed internet and digital services.
- Media Freedom and Pluralism: Ensuring the independence and diversity of media, protecting journalists, and promoting a pluralistic media environment.
- Data Protection: Aligning with EU data protection standards to safeguard personal data and privacy.
- E-Government: Implementing e-government services to improve public administration efficiency and accessibility.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to foster innovation, enhance digital connectivity, and ensure a free and diverse media landscape.
Taxation
Chapter 16: Taxation
The acquis on taxation covers extensively the area of indirect taxation, namely value-added tax (VAT) and excise duties. It lays down the scope, definitions and principles of VAT. Excise duties on tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and energy products are also subject to EU legislation. As concerns direct taxation, the acquis covers some aspects of taxing income from savings of individuals and of corporate taxes. Furthermore, Member States are committed to complying with the principles of the Code of Conduct for Business Taxation, aimed at the elimination of harmful tax measures. Administrative co-operation and mutual assistance between Member States is aimed at ensuring a smooth functioning of the internal market as concerns taxation and provides tools to prevent intra-Community tax evasion and tax avoidance. Member States must ensure that the necessary implementing and enforcement capacities, including links to the relevant EU computerised taxation systems, are in place.
Taxation is a significant part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s tax policies with EU standards to ensure a fair, efficient, and transparent tax system.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Tax Harmonization: Aligning Albania’s tax legislation with EU directives, including those related to VAT, excise duties, and corporate taxation.
- Tax Administration: Strengthening the capacity of tax authorities to improve tax collection, reduce tax evasion, and ensure compliance.
Fair Taxation: Implementing measures to prevent harmful tax competition and ensure that all taxpayers are treated equally.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to create a stable and predictable tax environment that supports economic growth and integration into the EU single market
Key development tax policy
1. Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS): Albania has adopted a comprehensive MTRS outlining tax reforms scheduled through 2029.
IMF eLibrary
Key measures include:
Value-Added Tax (VAT): Phasing out exemptions for private health and education services by 2024 and insurance services by 2026.
Excise Duties: Removing remaining exemptions by 2025.
Corporate Income Tax: Standardizing the profit tax rate at 15% and abolishing the zero tax rate for small businesses by 2029.
Direct Taxes: Eliminating preferential income tax rates for specific industries by 2025 and introducing a taxation scheme for self-employed professions in 2024.
Property and Environmental Taxes: Revising real estate tax exemptions and expanding environmental taxes by 2025–2026.​
2. Alignment with EU Directives: In March 2023, Albania adopted a new Law on Income Tax, partially aligning with EU directives on anti-tax avoidance and mergers. Additionally, the country has committed to amending or abolishing its industrial incentives regime by the end of 2023
Albania’s commitment to tax reforms and alignment with EU standards under Chapter 16 demonstrates a positive trajectory in its EU accession journey. Continued efforts to implement the MTRS, enhance administrative capacity, and address remaining challenges will be crucial for advancing negotiations in this chapter.
Economic and monetary policy
Chapter 17: Economic and Monetary Policy
The acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy contains specific rules requiring the independence of central banks in Member States, prohibiting direct financing of the public sector by the central banks and prohibiting privileged access of the public sector to financial institutions. Member States are expected to co-ordinate their economic policies and are subject to the Stability and Growth Pact on fiscal surveillance. New Member States are also committed to complying with the criteria laid down in the Treaty in order to be able to adopt the euro in due course after accession. Until then, they will participate in the Economic and Monetary Union as a Member State with a derogation from the use of the euro and shall treat their exchange rates as a matter of common concern.
Economic and Monetary Policy is a crucial part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s economic and monetary policies with EU standards to ensure macroeconomic stability and integration into the EU’s economic framework.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Monetary Policy: Aligning Albania’s monetary policy framework with that of the European Central Bank (ECB) to ensure price stability and support economic growth.
- Fiscal Policy: Implementing sound fiscal policies to maintain sustainable public finances, including measures to reduce public debt and budget deficits.
- Economic Governance: Strengthening economic governance and policy coordination to ensure effective implementation of economic reforms and compliance with EU economic guidelines.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to achieve macroeconomic stability and prepare for eventual participation in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) of the EU
Accession Status
- Screening Process: Albania completed the explanatory screening meeting for Chapter 17 in June 2019. The bilateral screening meeting has also been concluded.
- Negotiation Progress: In February 2025, the EU formally invited Albania to submit its negotiating position for Cluster 3, which includes Chapter 17: Economic and Monetary Policy. ​
Social policy and employment
Chapter 19: Social policy and employment
The acquis in the social field includes minimum standards in the areas of labour law, equality, health and safety at work and anti-discrimination. The Member States participate in social dialogue at European level and in EU policy processes in the areas of employment policy, social inclusion and social protection. The European Social Fund is the main financial tool through which the EU supports the implementation of its employment strategy and contributes to social inclusion efforts (implementation rules are covered under Chapter 22, which deals with all structural instruments).
Social Policy and Employment is a significant part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s social policies and employment regulations with EU standards to ensure social inclusion, protection, and fair labor practices.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Labor Law: Implementing minimum standards for labor law, including working conditions, employment contracts, and workers’ rights.
- Equality and Non-Discrimination: Ensuring equal treatment and non-discrimination in the workplace, promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable groups.
- Health and Safety at Work: Establishing regulations to ensure safe and healthy working environments.
- Social Inclusion and Protection: Promoting social inclusion and protection through policies that support disadvantaged groups and ensure access to social services.
- Social Dialogue: Encouraging social dialogue between employers, employees, and government to address labor market issues and improve working conditions.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to create a fair and inclusive labor market that supports economic growth and social well-being
Entreprise and industrial policy
Chapter 20: Enterprise and industrial policy
EU industrial policy seeks to promote industrial strategies enhancing competitiveness by speeding up adjustment to structural change, encouraging an environment favourable to business creation and growth throughout the EU as well as domestic and foreign investments. It also aims to improve the overall business environment in which small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) operate. It involves privatisation and restructuring (see also Chapter 8 – Competition policy). EU industrial policy mainly consists of policy principles and industrial policy communications. EU consultation forums and Community programmes, as well as communications, recommendations and exchanges of best practices relating to SMEs aim to improve the formulation and coordination of enterprise policy across the internal market on the basis of a common definition of SMEs. The implementation of enterprise and industrial policy requires adequate administrative capacity at the national, regional and local level.
Enterprise and Industrial Policy is a key part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s enterprise and industrial policies with EU standards to enhance competitiveness and create a business-friendly environment.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Competitiveness: Implementing policies to strengthen the competitiveness of Albanian enterprises, including support for innovation and modernization.
- SMEs: Promoting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through favorable regulations and access to finance.
- Industrial Policy: Facilitating structural changes in the industrial sector to adapt to market demands and technological advancements.
- Smart Specialization: Developing strategies for smart specialization to focus on areas where Albania has competitive advantages.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to create a dynamic and resilient economy that can integrate into the EU single market
Science and research
Chapter 25: Science and research
The acquis in the field of science and research does not require transposition of EU rules into the national legal order. Implementation capacity relates to the existence of the necessary conditions for effective participation in the EU’s Framework Programmes. In order to ensure the full and successful association with the Framework Programmes, Member States need to ensure the necessary implementing capacities in the field of research and technological development including adequate staffing.
Science and Research is a vital part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s research and innovation policies with EU standards to foster scientific progress and technological development.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Research Infrastructure: Developing and modernizing research infrastructure to support high-quality scientific research.
- Participation in EU Programs: Ensuring active participation in EU research and innovation programs, such as Horizon Europe.
- Smart Specialisation Strategy: Implementing a Smart Specialisation Strategy to focus on areas where Albania has competitive advantages.
- International Cooperation: Strengthening international cooperation in research and innovation to enhance knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to build a robust research and innovation ecosystem that supports economic growth and integration into the EU
Education and culture
Chapter 26: Education and culture
The areas of education and training, youth, sport and culture are primarily the competence of the EU Member States. In the field of education, training, sport and youth, besides a Directive on education of the children of migrant workers and the judgments of the European Court of Justice on cases related to non-discrimination between nationals of an EU Member State and other EU nationals, the acquis mainly consists of Council Recommendations in a number of areas related to school, vocational, higher and adult education, youth volunteering and mobility, numerous Council Conclusions and Resolutions.
The governance framework for cooperation is set by a Council Resolution on a European Education Area, with regular joint reporting of the Commission and the Council. A similar framework is set by a Council Resolution on the EU Youth Strategy, also with regular reporting. The frameworks set common objectives, monitor progress through benchmarks and indicators, and the Commission facilitates various exchanges of experiences and peer learning.
As regards cultural policy, Member States need to uphold the principles enshrined in Article 167 of the TFEU and, in particular, ensure that their international commitments allow for the development and implementation of policies and instruments aiming at preserving and promoting cultural diversity. In accordance with these principles, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, ratified by the EU (and [country]), is a major element of the acquis in the field of culture. Following the 2007 European Agenda for Culture, the Commission adopted the New European Agenda for Culture in 2018 to take into account the evolution of the cultural sector. The New Agenda provides the framework for cooperation on culture at the EU level.
EU Sport Policy aims to create a European dimension in sport. Priorities for Member States and the Commission are defined in EU Sport Working Plans. The current Plan is valid from 2021 to 2024 and addresses action in three priority areas: protect integrity and values in sport; Socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sport and promotion of participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity.
Education and Culture is a vital part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s education and cultural policies with EU standards to promote social cohesion, cultural diversity, and lifelong learning.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Education: Enhancing the quality of education by aligning curricula, teaching methods, and educational standards with EU norms. This includes participation in EU programs like Erasmus+ to foster educational exchanges and cooperation.
- Culture: Promoting cultural diversity and heritage through policies that support cultural activities, protect cultural sites, and encourage artistic expression.
- Youth: Implementing policies that support youth development, including access to education, employment opportunities, and participation in cultural and social activities.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to build a vibrant and inclusive society that values education and cultural heritage.
Customs union
Chapter 29: Customs union
The customs union acquis consists almost exclusively of legislation which is directly binding on the Member States. It includes the EU Customs Code and its implementing provisions, the combined nomenclature, common customs tariff and provisions on tariff classification, customs duty relief, duty suspensions and certain tariff quotas, and other provisions such as those on customs control of counterfeit and pirated goods, drugs precursors, export of cultural goods as well as on mutual administrative assistance in customs matters and transit. Member States must ensure that the necessary implementing and enforcement capacities, including links to the relevant EU computerised customs systems, are in place. The customs services must also ensure adequate capacities to implement and enforce special rules laid down in related areas of the acquis such as external trade.
Albania has recently made significant progress in its negotiations with the European Union. On April 14, 2025, Albania opened negotiations on the Internal Market cluster1, which includes several important chapters such as the free movement of goods, workers, capital, and services, as well as company law, intellectual property law, competition policy, financial services, and consumer and health protection12.
This step is crucial for Albania’s path towards EU membership, bringing the country closer to integration and enhancing political and economic stability.
Information society and media
Chapter 10: Information Society and Media
The acquis includes specific rules on electronic communications, on information society services, in particular electronic commerce and conditional access services, and on audio-visual services. In the field of electronic communications, the acquis aims to eliminate obstacles to the effective operation of the internal market in telecommunications services and networks, to promote competition and to safeguard consumer interests in the sector, including universal availability of modern services. As regards audio-visual policy, the acquis requires the legislative alignment with the Television without Frontiers Directive, which creates the conditions for the free movement of television broadcasts within the EU. The acquis aims to the establishment of a transparent, predictable and effective regulatory framework for public and private broadcasting in line with European standards. The acquis also requires the capacity to participate in the community programmes Media Plus and Media Training.
Information Society and Media is an important part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s policies and regulations with EU standards to ensure a competitive and dynamic information society and media environment.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Digital Infrastructure: Developing and modernizing digital infrastructure to ensure widespread access to high-speed internet and digital services.
- Media Freedom and Pluralism: Ensuring the independence and diversity of media, protecting journalists, and promoting a pluralistic media environment.
- Data Protection: Aligning with EU data protection standards to safeguard personal data and privacy.
- E-Government: Implementing e-government services to improve public administration efficiency and accessibility.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to foster innovation, enhance digital connectivity, and ensure a free and diverse media landscape.
Taxation
Chapter 16: Taxation
The acquis on taxation covers extensively the area of indirect taxation, namely value-added tax (VAT) and excise duties. It lays down the scope, definitions and principles of VAT. Excise duties on tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and energy products are also subject to EU legislation. As concerns direct taxation, the acquis covers some aspects of taxing income from savings of individuals and of corporate taxes. Furthermore, Member States are committed to complying with the principles of the Code of Conduct for Business Taxation, aimed at the elimination of harmful tax measures. Administrative co-operation and mutual assistance between Member States is aimed at ensuring a smooth functioning of the internal market as concerns taxation and provides tools to prevent intra-Community tax evasion and tax avoidance. Member States must ensure that the necessary implementing and enforcement capacities, including links to the relevant EU computerised taxation systems, are in place.
Taxation is a significant part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s tax policies with EU standards to ensure a fair, efficient, and transparent tax system.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Tax Harmonization: Aligning Albania’s tax legislation with EU directives, including those related to VAT, excise duties, and corporate taxation.
- Tax Administration: Strengthening the capacity of tax authorities to improve tax collection, reduce tax evasion, and ensure compliance.
Fair Taxation: Implementing measures to prevent harmful tax competition and ensure that all taxpayers are treated equally.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to create a stable and predictable tax environment that supports economic growth and integration into the EU single market
Key development tax policy
1. Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS): Albania has adopted a comprehensive MTRS outlining tax reforms scheduled through 2029.
IMF eLibrary
Key measures include:
Value-Added Tax (VAT): Phasing out exemptions for private health and education services by 2024 and insurance services by 2026.
Excise Duties: Removing remaining exemptions by 2025.
Corporate Income Tax: Standardizing the profit tax rate at 15% and abolishing the zero tax rate for small businesses by 2029.
Direct Taxes: Eliminating preferential income tax rates for specific industries by 2025 and introducing a taxation scheme for self-employed professions in 2024.
Property and Environmental Taxes: Revising real estate tax exemptions and expanding environmental taxes by 2025–2026.​
2. Alignment with EU Directives: In March 2023, Albania adopted a new Law on Income Tax, partially aligning with EU directives on anti-tax avoidance and mergers. Additionally, the country has committed to amending or abolishing its industrial incentives regime by the end of 2023
Albania’s commitment to tax reforms and alignment with EU standards under Chapter 16 demonstrates a positive trajectory in its EU accession journey. Continued efforts to implement the MTRS, enhance administrative capacity, and address remaining challenges will be crucial for advancing negotiations in this chapter.
Economic and monetary policy
Chapter 17: Economic and Monetary Policy
The acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy contains specific rules requiring the independence of central banks in Member States, prohibiting direct financing of the public sector by the central banks and prohibiting privileged access of the public sector to financial institutions. Member States are expected to co-ordinate their economic policies and are subject to the Stability and Growth Pact on fiscal surveillance. New Member States are also committed to complying with the criteria laid down in the Treaty in order to be able to adopt the euro in due course after accession. Until then, they will participate in the Economic and Monetary Union as a Member State with a derogation from the use of the euro and shall treat their exchange rates as a matter of common concern.
Economic and Monetary Policy is a crucial part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s economic and monetary policies with EU standards to ensure macroeconomic stability and integration into the EU’s economic framework.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Monetary Policy: Aligning Albania’s monetary policy framework with that of the European Central Bank (ECB) to ensure price stability and support economic growth.
- Fiscal Policy: Implementing sound fiscal policies to maintain sustainable public finances, including measures to reduce public debt and budget deficits.
- Economic Governance: Strengthening economic governance and policy coordination to ensure effective implementation of economic reforms and compliance with EU economic guidelines.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to achieve macroeconomic stability and prepare for eventual participation in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) of the EU
Accession Status
- Screening Process: Albania completed the explanatory screening meeting for Chapter 17 in June 2019. The bilateral screening meeting has also been concluded.
- Negotiation Progress: In February 2025, the EU formally invited Albania to submit its negotiating position for Cluster 3, which includes Chapter 17: Economic and Monetary Policy. ​
Social policy and employment
Chapter 19: Social policy and employment
The acquis in the social field includes minimum standards in the areas of labour law, equality, health and safety at work and anti-discrimination. The Member States participate in social dialogue at European level and in EU policy processes in the areas of employment policy, social inclusion and social protection. The European Social Fund is the main financial tool through which the EU supports the implementation of its employment strategy and contributes to social inclusion efforts (implementation rules are covered under Chapter 22, which deals with all structural instruments).
Social Policy and Employment is a significant part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s social policies and employment regulations with EU standards to ensure social inclusion, protection, and fair labor practices.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Labor Law: Implementing minimum standards for labor law, including working conditions, employment contracts, and workers’ rights.
- Equality and Non-Discrimination: Ensuring equal treatment and non-discrimination in the workplace, promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable groups.
- Health and Safety at Work: Establishing regulations to ensure safe and healthy working environments.
- Social Inclusion and Protection: Promoting social inclusion and protection through policies that support disadvantaged groups and ensure access to social services.
- Social Dialogue: Encouraging social dialogue between employers, employees, and government to address labor market issues and improve working conditions.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to create a fair and inclusive labor market that supports economic growth and social well-being
Entreprise and industrial policy
Chapter 20: Enterprise and industrial policy
EU industrial policy seeks to promote industrial strategies enhancing competitiveness by speeding up adjustment to structural change, encouraging an environment favourable to business creation and growth throughout the EU as well as domestic and foreign investments. It also aims to improve the overall business environment in which small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) operate. It involves privatisation and restructuring (see also Chapter 8 – Competition policy). EU industrial policy mainly consists of policy principles and industrial policy communications. EU consultation forums and Community programmes, as well as communications, recommendations and exchanges of best practices relating to SMEs aim to improve the formulation and coordination of enterprise policy across the internal market on the basis of a common definition of SMEs. The implementation of enterprise and industrial policy requires adequate administrative capacity at the national, regional and local level.
Enterprise and Industrial Policy is a key part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s enterprise and industrial policies with EU standards to enhance competitiveness and create a business-friendly environment.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Competitiveness: Implementing policies to strengthen the competitiveness of Albanian enterprises, including support for innovation and modernization.
- SMEs: Promoting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through favorable regulations and access to finance.
- Industrial Policy: Facilitating structural changes in the industrial sector to adapt to market demands and technological advancements.
- Smart Specialization: Developing strategies for smart specialization to focus on areas where Albania has competitive advantages.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to create a dynamic and resilient economy that can integrate into the EU single market
Science and research
Chapter 25: Science and research
The acquis in the field of science and research does not require transposition of EU rules into the national legal order. Implementation capacity relates to the existence of the necessary conditions for effective participation in the EU’s Framework Programmes. In order to ensure the full and successful association with the Framework Programmes, Member States need to ensure the necessary implementing capacities in the field of research and technological development including adequate staffing.
Science and Research is a vital part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s research and innovation policies with EU standards to foster scientific progress and technological development.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Research Infrastructure: Developing and modernizing research infrastructure to support high-quality scientific research.
- Participation in EU Programs: Ensuring active participation in EU research and innovation programs, such as Horizon Europe.
- Smart Specialisation Strategy: Implementing a Smart Specialisation Strategy to focus on areas where Albania has competitive advantages.
- International Cooperation: Strengthening international cooperation in research and innovation to enhance knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to build a robust research and innovation ecosystem that supports economic growth and integration into the EU
Education and culture
Chapter 26: Education and culture
The areas of education and training, youth, sport and culture are primarily the competence of the EU Member States. In the field of education, training, sport and youth, besides a Directive on education of the children of migrant workers and the judgments of the European Court of Justice on cases related to non-discrimination between nationals of an EU Member State and other EU nationals, the acquis mainly consists of Council Recommendations in a number of areas related to school, vocational, higher and adult education, youth volunteering and mobility, numerous Council Conclusions and Resolutions.
The governance framework for cooperation is set by a Council Resolution on a European Education Area, with regular joint reporting of the Commission and the Council. A similar framework is set by a Council Resolution on the EU Youth Strategy, also with regular reporting. The frameworks set common objectives, monitor progress through benchmarks and indicators, and the Commission facilitates various exchanges of experiences and peer learning.
As regards cultural policy, Member States need to uphold the principles enshrined in Article 167 of the TFEU and, in particular, ensure that their international commitments allow for the development and implementation of policies and instruments aiming at preserving and promoting cultural diversity. In accordance with these principles, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, ratified by the EU (and [country]), is a major element of the acquis in the field of culture. Following the 2007 European Agenda for Culture, the Commission adopted the New European Agenda for Culture in 2018 to take into account the evolution of the cultural sector. The New Agenda provides the framework for cooperation on culture at the EU level.
EU Sport Policy aims to create a European dimension in sport. Priorities for Member States and the Commission are defined in EU Sport Working Plans. The current Plan is valid from 2021 to 2024 and addresses action in three priority areas: protect integrity and values in sport; Socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sport and promotion of participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity.
Education and Culture is a vital part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations. This chapter focuses on aligning Albania’s education and cultural policies with EU standards to promote social cohesion, cultural diversity, and lifelong learning.
Key aspects of this chapter include:
- Education: Enhancing the quality of education by aligning curricula, teaching methods, and educational standards with EU norms. This includes participation in EU programs like Erasmus+ to foster educational exchanges and cooperation.
- Culture: Promoting cultural diversity and heritage through policies that support cultural activities, protect cultural sites, and encourage artistic expression.
- Youth: Implementing policies that support youth development, including access to education, employment opportunities, and participation in cultural and social activities.
Progress in this chapter is essential for Albania to build a vibrant and inclusive society that values education and cultural heritage.
Customs union
Chapter 29: Customs union
The customs union acquis consists almost exclusively of legislation which is directly binding on the Member States. It includes the EU Customs Code and its implementing provisions, the combined nomenclature, common customs tariff and provisions on tariff classification, customs duty relief, duty suspensions and certain tariff quotas, and other provisions such as those on customs control of counterfeit and pirated goods, drugs precursors, export of cultural goods as well as on mutual administrative assistance in customs matters and transit. Member States must ensure that the necessary implementing and enforcement capacities, including links to the relevant EU computerised customs systems, are in place. The customs services must also ensure adequate capacities to implement and enforce special rules laid down in related areas of the acquis such as external trade.
Albania has recently made significant progress in its negotiations with the European Union. On April 14, 2025, Albania opened negotiations on the Internal Market cluster1, which includes several important chapters such as the free movement of goods, workers, capital, and services, as well as company law, intellectual property law, competition policy, financial services, and consumer and health protection12.
This step is crucial for Albania’s path towards EU membership, bringing the country closer to integration and enhancing political and economic stability.
