The Foreign Affairs Committee in the EP approves the report on Albania / Here are the 4 recommendations

2025-06-04 11:46:00, Politikë CNA

The Foreign Affairs Committee in the EP approves the report on Albania / Here

The Foreign Affairs Committee has praised Albania's unwavering commitment to EU membership in a report adopted on Wednesday.

MEPs highlight Albania's broad political consensus and strong public support for EU membership, along with full alignment with the EU's foreign and security policy, in a report adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee with 57 votes in favour and 11 against, with 6 abstentions.

Urgent need for deepening reforms

While welcoming Albania's aim to conclude accession talks by 2027 and the progress already made, MEPs stress the urgent need to intensify reforms. Key priorities include strengthening judicial independence, fighting corruption and organised crime, and protecting fundamental rights. Improving media pluralism and transparency remains essential to build public trust.

Political dialogue and opposition to foreign interference

The report notes the continuing political polarization marked by confrontational rhetoric and calls for a more constructive and inclusive political dialogue. MEPs express serious concern about malign foreign influence, in particular from Kremlin-linked sources, which threatens Albania’s democratic institutions and EU membership ambitions. They call for greater institutional resistance to abuses of political financing, media manipulation and cyber threats.

Support through EU initiatives

MEPs welcome the new €922 million Reform and Growth Instrument Programme dedicated to the Western Balkans, which will support Albania’s Reform Agenda once the conditions are met. The opening of the European Parliament’s office in Tirana is seen as a vital step to strengthen ties between the EU, local institutions and civil society partners from across the Western Balkans region.

The electoral process and judicial reforms

The report reflects on the parliamentary elections of May 2025, describing them as competitive but held in a highly polarized environment, with concerns over the use of administrative resources. MEPs call on Albanian political parties to commit to comprehensive electoral reforms in line with the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission.

Progress made with judicial reforms and investigations into high-level corruption are welcome, although political interference remains a challenge. MEPs call for continued efforts to protect judicial independence and enhance accountability. /CNA