How did Albania manage to close negotiations on 3 chapters with the EU? - The country is required to increase public spending on education, research and science
A few days ago, Albania would have marked the closure of negotiations on 3 chapters of the body of European legislation, research and science, education and culture, and external relations. Since the opening of negotiations, these 3 chapters have been considered the easiest to close, due to the lower volume of approximation legislation. But the country still has a long way to go before joining the European Union, as it still needs to close 30 more chapters.
How did Albania specifically manage to close the first 3 chapters and does it still have to fulfill tasks in these areas?
The EU welcomes the increase in investment in research and science, but encourages Albania to take further steps to meet the target of spending 1% of the country's GDP on research and science by 2030. The EU calls for ensuring the actual budget execution of funds allocated to research. The Union also further invites Albania to step up efforts to create the necessary structures to enhance cooperation between the private and public sectors, and to continue reporting reliable statistics in this area.
Regarding education, the European Union expects the education budget to be allocated in line with Albania's objectives and ambitions. Therefore, the EU calls on Albania to increase public spending on education, in order to reach the EU average in this area.
The country should develop opportunities for adult training, with the aim of at least 60% of adults (aged 25-64) participating in training each year by 2030, in line with the EU target. The European Union further calls on Albania to strengthen apprenticeship schemes.
Regarding foreign policy, the EU underlines that it is Albania's responsibility to ensure that, after accession, all its international agreements, and in particular all trade agreements or bilateral investment treaties between Albania and third countries, are in line with the body of European legislation.
The EU recalls that Albania will have to terminate by the date of accession all existing bilateral agreements with third countries, and all other international agreements concluded by Albania which are incompatible with the obligations of EU membership.
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