Dutch Ambassador to Albania Marleen Monster has said recent protests reflect growing dissatisfaction and tension in Albanian society, while strongly condemning the violence accompanying the demonstrations.
Speaking during a visit to Korçë, where she met with law enforcement representatives to discuss media freedom, Monster stressed that citizens have the right to protest, but violence has no place in democratic demonstrations.
“The protests showed that there is considerable tension in society and that people are dissatisfied. Otherwise, they would not have taken to the streets. The violence shocked us. Protesting is a good thing, but violence is something we do not want to see,” she said.
Monster also commented on the European Commission’s latest progress report on Albania. She welcomed the country’s achievements but noted that several areas still require further efforts.
The ambassador reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for Albania’s European integration, stressing that commitments to EU membership must translate into concrete results.
She identified the rule of law as one of the key areas where Albania needs to make further progress.
“The Netherlands is deeply committed to supporting Albania on its path towards the European Union. Our approach is strict, fair and active. We want to ensure that commitments do not remain on paper but translate into concrete action on the ground,” Monster said.
She also called on Albania to continue implementing the justice reform and honour the commitments it has undertaken.
Monster stressed that the country must stay the course and ensure that the ongoing justice reform, together with the new rules and obligations, continues to deliver tangible results.
/a.c/
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