The first step will be the formal process of screening the acquis to ascertain the state of Albania’s preparation for opening negotiations in specific areas. During the exercise, the Commission will identify key anti-corruption reform priorities and assess other administrative capacities.
For the purposes of the screening, the acquis will be broken down into a number of bite-size chunks, otherwise known as chapters. These are then grouped into six thematic clusters, as follows:
- Fundametals; chapters 23, 24, 5, 18, 3
- Internal Market; chapters 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,27
- Competitivness and inclusive growth; chapters 10,16,17,19,20,25,26,29
- Green agenda; chapters 14,15,21,27
- Resources, agriculture; chapters 11,12,13,22,23,33
- External Relations; chapters 31,31
The European Council, in unanimous format and on proposal of the Commission, will decide and then assess the benchmarks for each cluster to be opened, as well as then agree on which areas can be accelerated in line with applicable rules and procedures.
Cluster 1, Fundamentals, will be the first to be opened and the last to be closed. Other clusters can be opened and closed simultaneously.
Following the screening report, the Commission will propose a roadmap for the rule of law chapters and one for public administration reform. This will be prepared by the Albanian authorities and will also serve as an opening benchmark.
Albania will then be required to prepare a roadmap for Chapter 23, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, and Chapter 24, Justice, Freedom, and Security.
The roadmaps must pass through meaningful consultation with all stakeholders, including civil society, before it can be adopted. The roadmap implementation will be monitored on an ongoing basis and regularly addressed at Intergovernmental Conferences.
Albania will also be asked to prepare a roadmap for the functioning of democratic institutions under the guidance of the Commission.
The screening process is expected to start immediately and will take over one year. The process is new compared to other Western Balkan countries such as Serbia and Montenegro, which have already started the accession process.
