Over 35 representatives of chambers of commerce, business associations and service providers met with Albania's Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI) on 23 July 2026 for a consultation workshop on Chapter 3 of the EU accession negotiations, covering the right of establishment and freedom to provide services. The workshop, held at the House of Business in Tirana, was organised with the support of the EU Integration Support (EUIS) Project, which assists MEI on legal approximation in this area.
The meeting was led by Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation and Negotiator for Chapter 3, Olta Manjani, who presented findings from a first national mapping of regulated professions in Albania. The mapping identifies where legal bases, procedures, deadlines and appeal mechanisms are clearly set out and where they still need work. "Companies that begin adapting now will find 2028 an opportunity. Those that wait will find it a deadline," Manjani noted.
During the workshop, participants completed a survey measuring the legal and financial impact of the reform on their operations and their level of readiness. Regulatory impact assessment is an obligation in the negotiation process, but without data from the market, it stays theoretical. The survey remains open for affected companies and professions. Results will be published in August and will inform transitional measures designed for the private sector.
The EUIS Project is implemented by Dai, Abkons and WeGlobal with financial support from the European Union. The consultation marks a step in Albania's EU accession process, which requires alignment with the acquis communautaire across all negotiating chapters.