EP Report on Albania/ Tabaku: The main obstacle to integration continues to be governance

The Chairwoman of the European Affairs Committee, Jorida Tabaku, reacted after the debate held yesterday in the European Parliament on the report on Albania.

Through a video message on social networks, Tabaku emphasizes that the main obstacle to Albania's European integration remains the current government.

Tabaku pointed out the deep-rooted problems mentioned in the report, while focusing on corruption, which she described as a daily obstacle for citizens, from healthcare to property.

Tabaku emphasized, among other things, that Europe sees us differently, but unfortunately, the government still continues to see us through the magnifying glass of 35 years ago.

Tabaku's full statement:

Albanians behave like Europeans every day – in work, in effort, in sacrifice. In every activity they perform for their family and in their behavior towards the state.

Unfortunately, the main obstacle to European integration continues to be governance. Albania's main obstacle is the current majority. As mentioned in the European Parliament report, which was discussed yesterday and is being voted on today – Albania is an extraordinary challenge for democracy and institutions.

From flawed elections, pressure on the administration, vote buying, voter intimidation, and the use of the state for campaign purposes - these are all phenomena that should not exist in the Albania of 2025, but they do.

On the other hand, another major obstacle is corruption. 80% of Albanians believe that corruption hinders their lives, mainly in healthcare, police, education, property, mortgages and business.

Albania needs a completely new approach. For broad inclusion. For reforms that are felt in the economy. An economy that produces for everyone, not for a few people.

Reforms must start with business and move all the way to democracy – with institutions that are balanced, with a parliament that has a role, and even more fundamentally – with elections that respect standards.

Today, 35 years after the fall of the dictatorship, Albania is still unable to organize free elections. The party-state is still used in every cell to influence and manipulate the outcome.

These are the main issues raised by the European Parliament report. These are the challenges Albania faces today. And this is the path that must be followed: deep, comprehensive reforms and a fundamental change in the way the state functions.

Europe sees us differently. While the government continues to see us with the magnifying glass of 35 years ago.