On 17 January, a Memorandum of cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Albania in the field of European integration and the EU accession process was signed in Kyiv.
The document was inked by Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, and Igli Hasani, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania. The Memorandum lays the groundwork for closer cooperation between the two countries in the process of accession to the European Union, given the current state of the EU accession negotiations between Ukraine and Albania.
The aim is to facilitate further cooperation, in particular in European integration, including EU accession negotiations.
The document covers a number of key areas, such as the exchange of experience in negotiating EU membership, reforms in the areas of rule of law, judicial reform, anti-corruption, as well as the development of joint initiatives in the areas of digital transformation, decarbonisation and the environment.
"The signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation is an impetus for building even closer and more comprehensive cooperation between Ukraine and Albania, as well as an important step towards our common goal of full membership in the European Union. ‘The exchange of experience and knowledge will strengthen the expertise and institutional capacity of both countries," said Olha Stefanishyna, "Ukraine and Albania stand ready to support each other and move together towards our European future. I look forward to further fruitful cooperation."
Among the key areas of cooperation identified in the Memorandum are as follows:
For his part, Igli Hassani stressed that the signing of this document was another evidence of Ukraine's and Albania's continued commitment to European integration, stressing that further joint efforts and initiatives would contribute to the effective transformation of both countries.
The implementation of the Memorandum shall be carried out in accordance with the national legislation of each Party within its competence and available resources. The Memorandum shall enter into force upon signature by both Parties.
Background information
The Republic of Albania applied for EU membership on 28 April 2009 and has been an official candidate since June 2014. The European Union has decided to actually start negotiations with Albania in October 2024.