ADVANCING THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA TOWARD EU ACCESSION THROUGH FUNDAMENTALS: PROGRESS ON OPENING BENCHMARKS IN RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract

This article examines Albania’s progress in meeting the opening benchmarks of Cluster I 
“Fundamentals” following the submission of its Negotiating Position to the European 
Commission on 2 October 2024. Anchored in the revised enlargement methodology, the 
article focuses on the effectiveness of reform implementation in the core areas of the Rule of 
Law, Human Rights, Public Administration Reform, and the Functioning of Democratic 
Institutions. By evaluating ‘roadmap-based monitoring’ approach, the article explores how 
Albania’s strategic choices and commitments translate into measurable progress. In doing so, 
it offers insights into the transformative potential of EU conditionality and the credibility of 
Albania’s integration trajectory.