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MEP Strik: Parliament should overturn the decision on Balluk and allow the SPAK investigation

Politiko 2026-07-08 18:57:52

MEP Strik: Parliament should overturn the decision on Balluk and allow the SPAK

Dutch MEP Tineke Strik has conveyed a strong message to the European Parliament about developments in Albania, focusing on both environmental protection issues and the functioning of the rule of law.

Referring to her visit to Vjosa-Narta, Strik criticized the projects that, according to her, are causing irreversible damage to protected areas, while asking the Albanian Parliament not to obstruct SPAK's investigations, undoing the decision not to lift the immunity of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.

Full statement:

"But I would like to dwell on the environmental law because, um, I was actually a member of this group of parliamentarians that, that visited, Albania a few weeks ago, and I was also very grateful to be hosted by the Minister of Environment, but also by a parliamentary committee. That was very informative for us.

We also met, of course, with the protesters and listened to their concerns, and we went to the Vjosa-Narta area, in order to see for ourselves what is really happening there—what are those protests there, and, and how can we solve this. Um, and I have to say, when we went there, it was really sad to see how much damage had already been done in that area. We saw a 7 km long road being built, even through the dunes where the turtles have their nesting area, their breeding area. The wetlands had dried up, and the connection between the sea and the lagoons, which is a vital connection. Um, and, um, we also discussed with your parliament, and we heard that, um, a development permit was granted in order to conduct an environmental impact assessment, which I personally find quite incomprehensible—to get permission to do damage in order to assess whether the damage can be done. So, that led to a lot of questions from my side.

And, and also when we discussed with the Minister of the Environment, um, he explained that this would be, permissible for the time being because this area is now part of category 5, which is also a result of the amendment to the law on protected areas, which was adopted in '24. Um, and the European Commission made it clear before, when this amendment was being adopted, that this is not in line with EU standards because, if you can't allow construction, in an area that should be, protected, then there is already a natural paradox in this. Um, but the Minister of the Environment said, 'Well, we only have to meet these standards by the end of next year.' And, and this is what I really want to challenge, and, because, as the Commission says, candidate countries are not allowed to, take steps backwards—there is this principle of non-regression, which is absolutely key. So, let's not create facts committed on the ground, even though you know that certain standards must be met, in the end, to close the chapters.

That's also why in the European Parliament, um, we, we passed an—an amendment. So, the majority said that the amendment should be repealed, there should be a new law in line with EU standards, but there should also be a moratorium so that we don't create any further damage in this area before a law is passed that is in line with EU law. So, I think there's a big responsibility for the parliament now also to make sure that this element doesn't undermine or hinder successful negotiations and relations with the European Parliament, and, and the European Commission, as well, of course. So, I think, because I got the impression a little bit from the way the Prime Minister says, like, 'This project should go ahead,' that there's not a big opening to really look at the—the objections and the possibilities, or I would say certainly, the violation of EU standards—the Birds Directive, the Habitats Directive, etc. Therefore, I truly urge you to take this responsibility.

And I know I have to be brief, so just one, element: I know, I think, the fact that SPAK is now, acting so independently is really a great success of the whole vetting procedure. This also shows that Albania is on the right track, but it also means that they—they can now bring to light the things that are going wrong. So, now there is this investigation going on for, corruption related to this project. But there is another, corruption case, for which SPAK has requested the lifting of immunity in parliament, and this has to do with Deputy Prime Minister Balluku. So far, this parliament has refused to lift her immunity. I would really urge you to—to undo this, to facilitate this investigation and to make sure that justice, can be done in general. Thank you.”