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MEPs after visit to Albania: It is not the protests that endanger integration, but the steps behind it

Politiko 2026-07-09 17:02:43

MEPs after visit to Albania: It is not the protests that endanger integration,

MEPs visiting Albania have raised concerns about the situation in the Zvërnec protected area, contradicting government statements that no construction permits have been issued and emphasizing that challenges to the European integration process are related to respect for the rule of law, transparency and environmental protection.

Italian MEP Christina Guarda stated that during the on-site inspection, she did not find any fences, fences, or equipment that could be used for construction work, elements that, according to her, contradict the authorities' claims.

"We heard from the minister that no construction permit has been issued. However, we saw fences that prevent citizens from passing through and vehicles that could be used for construction in the protected area. When we discussed this with the minister, he seemed unaware of the situation and said that it could be related to the tests necessary for the environmental assessment. But it is not necessary to erect fences to carry out the tests ," Guarda said.

She also criticized the argument that Albania is not yet a member of the European Union, recalling that the European Commission has demanded withdrawal from the controversial changes. According to her, it is not the citizen protests that endanger the country's European path.

"We have seen statements that the protests are threatening Albania's EU membership. It is not the protests that threaten integration, but the backward steps that are being taken ," the MEP declared.

German MEP Sebastian Everding also praised Albania's natural potential, but stressed that economic development must be built on the principles of sustainability.

" Albania has landscapes and natural assets that constitute a great competitive advantage. This potential can only be preserved if nature, the rule of law and transparency are respected ," he said.

On the other hand, MEP Fredi Beleri focused on the protests taking place in the country, arguing that they stem from citizens' internal concerns and not from external influences.

According to Beleri, citizens are protesting the lack of transparency, corruption, misgovernance and the departure of young people from Albania. He criticized Prime Minister Edi Rama's statements, saying that attempts to attribute the protests to external factors do not address the real problems facing the country.

"Most of the people who came out to the demonstrations protested the lack of transparency, corruption, misgovernance and the brain drain from the country. These are real concerns of citizens. The poisoning of society must end," said Beleri.

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