Albania was recognised as a potential candidate country for EU accession in 2003 and officially submitted a membership application in April 2009.
A European partnership with Albania provides support to the Albanian authorities in their quest for EU membership by identifying areas in which further effort and reforms are required.
A Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) entered into force on 1 April 2009, laying out the conditions for membership.
Albania is a potential candidate country for EU accession following the Thessaloniki European Council of June 2003.
The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the country was signed on 12 June 2006 and entered into force on 1 April 2009.