The Council of Ministers has approved changes to the composition of Albania’s negotiating team for European Union membership, redistributing responsibilities among representatives of ministries and heads of independent institutions.
According to the official decision, the main changes in the negotiating team include:
Regional Policy (Chapter 22)
Responsibility as negotiator for this chapter is assumed by Deputy Minister of Interior Oltjon Muzaka, replacing Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo.
Economy and Finance (Chapters 1, 4, 6, 9, 16, 17, 29, 32 and 33)
Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Enkelejd Musabelliu takes on responsibility for Chapter 6 (Company law), alongside Chapter 1 and his role as co-negotiator for Chapters 28 and 30. Meanwhile, the sub-division that assigned former Deputy Minister Blerta Rama responsibility for Chapters 4 and 6 is repealed.
Deputy Minister of Finance Andi Memeti also takes on the role of co-negotiator for Chapter 4 (Free movement of capital), alongside responsibilities for Chapters 32 and 33. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Finance Endrit Yzeiraj, in addition to responsibilities for the economic criterion and Chapters 16 and 29, is appointed co-negotiator for Chapter 9 (Financial services) and Chapter 17 (Economic and monetary policy).
Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania Natasha Ahmetaj is assigned as co-negotiator responsible for Chapters 4 and 17. Meanwhile, Director General of the Financial Supervisory Authority (AMF) Adela Xhemali continues as co-negotiator for Chapter 9.
Competition Policy (Chapter 8)
Chairman of the Competition Authority Denar Biba will share responsibility as co-negotiator for this chapter with Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Mario Keputa.
Agriculture and Food Safety (Chapter 12)
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tana Kika joins Deputy Minister Arian Jaupllari, sharing with him responsibility as co-negotiator for Chapter 12.
Health and Consumer Protection (Chapters 19 and 28)
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare Denada Seferi continues as co-negotiator for Chapter 19, while Deputy Minister Eugena Tomini joins the team as co-negotiator responsible for Chapter 28.
The Negotiating Group of the Republic of Albania and the relevant institutions included in this structure are tasked with implementing this decision.