The 15^th Subcommittee meeting on Internal Market and Competition between the EU and Albania took place on 30 May 2024 in Brussels. Representatives from the European Commission (Commission) discussed with relevant Albanian authorities the most recent developments in these areas. The meeting was co-chaired for the EU by Mr. Zbigniew Zach, Permanent Secretary for the Subcommittee at the Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission, for Albania by Mr. Endrit Yzeiraj, Deputy Minister for Economy, Culture and Innovation.

In the area of competition policy, the Commission welcomed plans to further align the legal framework with the EU acquis. Particular attention was given to State aid, where the Commission recalled the need to ensure the operational independence of the State Aid Commission and to develop a robust enforcement record.

As regards intellectual property rights, the Commission welcomed Albania’s progress made so far and encouraged the authorities to complete the alignment of its legal framework with the remaining parts of the acquis in the area of copyright and related rights, and industrial property rights. The Commission welcomed trainings and awareness activities on intellectual property rights undertaken by the authorities, in particular in the area of enforcement.

On the freedom to provide services, the Commission stressed the need to step up efforts to align with the legal framework with the Services Directive following the self-screening of its legislation. As regards postal services, where Albania has aligned its legislation with the EU acquis, the discussion focused on its implementation. Further efforts are needed to prepare for the EU system of mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

In the area of public procurement, the Commission encouraged the Albanian authorities to step up efforts to align the legal framework with the EU acquis, including in the area of concessions. The Commission expressed its concerns with regard to the recent amendments of the public procurement law allowing for direct contracting in various areas following authorisation by the Council of Ministers, for a transitional period of three years.  The Commission also questioned the retroactivity of the recent limited amendment of the Albanian legislation on concessions and public-private partnerships, with respect to compliance with the principles of transparency and equal treatment.

On financial services, the Commission welcomed continued efforts to align the Albanian banking regulatory and supervisory framework with international and EU standards. On company law and corporate reporting, the Commission encouraged the authorities to continue the process of aligning the legislation with the EU acquis.

In the area of health protection, the Commission provided an update on EU legislation in the area substances of human origin intended for human application. The Commission urged Albania to make progress in the alignment of its legislation with the EU acquis on tobacco control, substances of human origin, medicinal products for human use and veterinary use, and cross-border health care. The Commission noted the plans of the authorities to further align the legal framework with the EU acquis in the area of consumer protection.