Albania's Progress in EU Acquis Chapter 24: Strengthening Police Cooperation and the Role of European Law Enforcement Agencies in the Region (2025), Ilenia Kaso

For a country to join the European Union, it must fulfill specific requirements that reflect its progress toward meeting the EU’s standards. One of the key steps in this process is the opening of the Acquis Communautaire chapters and the successful implementation of the obligations arising from EU law, both of which are critical for considering EU membership. Chapter 24 of the Acquis covers areas related to Freedom, Security, and Justice. This article will focus on security issues and examine the mechanisms the EU uses to ensure compliance, particularly through the role of Law Enforcement agencies, but also by exploring the current progress of our neighbouring countries in regard to this chapter. A key aspect of the discussion is Albania's EU integration progress, highlighting both its achievements and challenges. The article also explores the perspectives of Albanian citizens regarding the country’s EU journey, the role of Law Enforcement agencies, and the impact of regional cooperation in security.

Keywords: Acquis Communautaire, Europol, Regional cooperation