Albania has entered a new and decisive stage on its path toward European Union membership, Socialist Party parliamentary group leader and EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee co-chair Taulant Balla said in Strasbourg.
Speaking at the opening session of the 21st meeting of the committee, Balla described the moment as historic for Albania’s European journey. He said recent progress reflects the country’s transformation in key areas linked to integration.
“Europe is not only a destination for Albania. It is the standard by which we measure our transformation, day by day, reform by reform, and institution by institution,” Balla said.
He explained that Albania is awaiting the closure of three negotiation chapters and the continuation of work at the next intergovernmental conference. According to him, this represents more than a technical procedure and marks a significant step forward.
Balla highlighted progress in several areas, including the rule of law, democratic institutions, public administration, fundamental rights, security, sustainable development and tourism.
He also stressed the importance of fighting disinformation, calling for public debates based on facts and verified information.
“Disinformation replaces debate with manipulation, facts with lies, and trust with doubt. Fighting disinformation means protecting truth, freedom and democracy,” Balla said.
The Socialist Party leader underlined that Albania’s reform process has required political commitment, determination and continuous efforts from state institutions.
He thanked EU institutions, member states and European partners for their support, referring also to the European Parliament’s latest resolution on Albania.
“This was a clear political message that Albania’s progress is recognised, that our reform path is credible and that our European perspective is real,” Balla said.
Balla: Zvërnec project must meet environmental standards
Balla also addressed the planned development project in Zvërnec, stating that it can move forward only by fully respecting legal and environmental standards.
He said the area has important ecological value and that any development must undergo a complete environmental impact assessment, public consultations and approval from relevant authorities.
“22.1% of Albania’s territory is protected. The project is still in the development phase, the final plan has not been approved, and it cannot proceed without a full environmental impact assessment and the necessary approvals,” Balla said.
He stressed that investment and environmental protection are not opposing goals but parts of the same vision for sustainable development.
“The objective is to create a tourism model that generates jobs, attracts economic activity and investment, while protecting the ecological values of the area. Nature conservation and development are not contradictory goals; they are complementary pillars of a greener and more prosperous Albania,” he added.
Balla also highlighted the role of the Albanian Parliament in the EU integration process. He said political consensus and democratic ownership remain essential for advancing reforms.
He noted that all major political forces approved the latest resolution on European integration, describing it as proof of Albania’s institutional commitment to joining the European Union.
“No process can succeed without democratic ownership. The Albanian Parliament is one of the main pillars that provides legitimacy, oversight and transparency to the EU accession process,” Balla said.
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