European Council chief says Albania is a step closer to joining the EU

Albania has moved a step closer to joining the European Union after completing its first three sections of membership talks.

European Council President António Costa welcomed the progress, calling the closure of talks on science, education and foreign relations a clear sign of integration into the bloc.

EU member states approved the decision during a meeting led by the Irish EU presidency, where Montenegro also closed two policy areas.

The agreement comes weeks after the EU confirmed Albania had met essential conditions on the rule of law and judicial reform.

The Albanian government aims to finish all negotiations by 2027 and become a full member of the 27-nation bloc by 2030.