EU-Albania 17th Subcommittee on Innovation, Information Society and Social Policy
The 17th Subcommittee meeting between the EU and Albania under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, covering Research and Innovation, Digital Transformation and Media, Education and Culture, Social Policy and Employment, and Free Movement of Workers, was held on 25 February 2026, in Tirana. Representatives of the European Commission (hereinafter, the Commission) discussed the most recent developments in these areas with competent Albanian authorities. The discussion had particular emphasis on the closing benchmark criteria set to provisionally close the chapters - assuming that all other conditions are met -, alongside relevant policy developments and Reform Agenda steps. The meeting was co-chaired for the EU by Mr Hubert Duhot, Deputy Head of Unit at Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood, the Unit of Albania and North Macedonia, and Ms Enkelejda Muçaj, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania.
In the area of Research and Innovation Policy, the European Commission commended Albania for its participation in Horizon Europe and advocated for continued efforts to meet the closing benchmark criteria for the provisional closure of the chapter. Related to that, the Commission reminded that Albania needs to ensure an increase in investment in research and science. The Commission welcomed the progress made in aiming for the target of spending 1% of GDP on research by 2030 as well as efforts to further integrate into the European Research Area. The Commission underlined the importance of strengthening the research and innovation ecosystems and to enhance cooperation between the private and public sectors in research and innovation. Regarding the implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy, the Commission reminded the Albanian authorities to undertake further efforts and concrete actions in its implementation. The Commission took note of the adoption of the Action Plan to improve Albania’s progress on the European Innovation Scoreboard and emphasised the importance of resource allocation. Related to the implementation of the Law on Scientific Research and the National Strategy on Scientific Research, the Commission recalled the importance of adopting the delegated acts of the law.
On Digital Transformation and Media, the Commission welcomed Albania's advancements and highlighted the need to continue with legislative efforts, particularly in view of chapter negotiations. The Commission acknowledged updates from Albanian authorities on their progress made in alignment with the 5G cyber-security toolbox, Gigabit Infrastructure Act, and digital identity and trust services. Albania was encouraged to further harmonise its legislative framework with the EU acquis in this field, especially regarding the independence of the National Regulatory Authority for electronic communications, digital services, digital trust, and cybersecurity, as well as the audiovisual and media services.
On Education and Culture, the Commission noted the progress made by Albania and welcomed the adoption of several strategies and action plans related to this negotiation chapter. The Commission however underlined the importance of establishing adequate monitoring systems to track results and progress and to put in place the necessary institutional and policy frameworks to fulfil EU policy objectives in the field of education and training. Regarding Union of Skills, the Commission reiterated the importance of aligning Albania’s education reforms with the broader objective of building a European Education Area that actively fosters skills development. Furthermore, the Commission invited Albania to make tangible progress towards establishing the necessary structure to manage Erasmus+.
On vocational education and training (VET), the Commission noted positive development in the number of VET students and their employability, as well as progress in teacher training. Albania was encouraged to continue expanding the dual education programme, ensure that apprenticeships combining learning and on-the-job practice offers a stable entrance to the labour market.
In the area of Social Policy and Employment, the Commission underscored the need for Albania to intensify efforts to fulfil the closing benchmark criteria for this negotiating chapter. The Commission commended the continuous investment in the labour inspection system but stressed the need to advance legislative alignment with the EU acquis in the fields of Labour Law and Occupational Health and Safety. On social inclusion, the Commission reminded that although progress has been made, particularly in the aim of transitioning children out of public institutions, more effort is needed to support also adults with disabilities and ensure conditions for independent living and community inclusion.
On employment policies, the Commission acknowledged the positive trends in the labour market and the expansion of the piloting of the Youth guarantee. Regarding social dialogue, the Commission underlined the significance of fostering effective dialogue with social partners. Albania was invited to promote tripartite and bipartite dialogue at all levels, ensuring robust consultation with social partners, primarily through the National Labour Council.
Regarding the Freedom of Movement for Workers, the Commission welcomed Albania's progress marked by the signing of a new social security agreement with Poland, highlighting this as an essential step towards better coordination with EU social security systems. The Commission welcomed further ongoing negotiations with EU member states. The Commission also welcomed the positive developments in technical preparations for joining EURES, and the system for Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI). The Commission stressed the importance of conducting an impact assessment to prepare for the implementation of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).