TIRANA, November 5 /ATSH/ – During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama today—following the handing over of the Progress Report on Albania—European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa stated that the report’s message is simple: “Albania has made great strides forward.”
Addressing Prime Minister Edi Rama, Moreira de Sousa emphasized that, “This message reflects the genuine and robust work of your government and your negotiating team, as well as your continued commitment to the path toward the EU membership. All negotiating chapters have been opened, and four of them have been provisionally closed.”
However, she underscored that the continuation of this process requires sustained effort and concrete results.
Regarding the judiciary, corruption and organized crime, Moreira de Sousa noted that the report highlights good progress, specifically highlighting the work of SPAK (Special Prosecution Office).
The EU report also raises concerns regarding the democratic situation in the country. According to the ambassador, Albania continues to face a polarized political climate, limited Parliamentary oversight of the government and a lack of meaningful public consultation.
“To meet OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, urgent electoral reform is required. This process must be inclusive, extending beyond the two major parties that currently dominate the special parliamentary committee,” she said.
Regarding fundamental rights, Moreira de Sousa welcomed the adoption of new laws on gender equality and violence against women, emphasizing that the challenge now lies in their practical implementation.
As for media freedom, the ambassador noted that, “Defamation has been partially decriminalized.”
According to her standpoint, this is a step in the right direction, but it is not sufficient on its own.
Another issue the ambassador addressed was the environment. She stated that the 2024 amendments to the Law on Protected Areas, along with repeated extensions of the Law on Strategic Investments, have led to a deterioration in nature conservation. Moreira de Sousa indicated that the project planned for Zvërnec would also be evaluated in accordance with European Union standards.
Speaking about the protests that began in late May—initially sparked by environmental concerns and subsequently evolving into a movement demanding transparency, accountability, fight against corruption and more—the ambassador stated that peaceful protests are an integral part of democratic life. She stated that democracy rejects violence, adding that any legal response to violent acts must remain strictly proportionate. She called for addressing grievances through inclusive dialogue instead.
Regarding Albania’s objective to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027, the ambassador clarified that the recently received roadmap does not carry any new conditions. Moreira de Sousa stressed that achieving this goal will depend on implementation of reforms and the delivery of concrete results.
In conclusion, she reiterated that, “Albania has made great strides, and while the journey isn’t over yet, the European Union remains committed to supporting every step of the way.” /m.q/a.f/r.e/p.s./
