Flash News

An elderly woman in Lushnja dies after being stabbed in the neighborhood ambulance

After Tirana, KAS also decides to open the ballot boxes in Dibër

The murder saga, Alibej: It started after I gave Talo Çela's location

Albania-Serbia match/ Tirana in "total lockdown": 2000 police officers, anti-drone checks and traffic restrictions

Etel Haxhiaj challenges US police during arrest of immigrant, charged with assault

E-TJERA

EP 'slaps' Rama: We are alarmed about the elections, corruption, interference in justice and media freedom

Politiko 2025-06-04 11:07:04

EP 'slaps' Rama: We are alarmed about the elections, corruption,

The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee today approved the annual report on Albania, raising the alarm about the elections in our country. But not only that, in their resolution they express concern about corruption, crime, political interference in justice and the lack of media independence. Below is the official announcement for the approval of the report:

MEPs highlight the broad political consensus and strong public support that exists in Albania for EU membership, along with full compliance with the EU's foreign and security policy, in a report adopted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs with 57 votes in favour, 11 against and 6 abstentions.

Urgent need for deepening reforms

Welcoming Albania's aim to conclude accession negotiations by 2027 and the progress made so far, MEPs underline the urgent need to intensify reforms. Key priorities include strengthening the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organised crime, and the protection of fundamental rights. Strengthening media pluralism and transparency remains essential for building public trust.

Political dialogue and combating foreign interference

The report notes the continuing political polarization accompanied by divisive rhetoric and calls for a more constructive and inclusive political dialogue. MEPs express serious concern about malign foreign influence, in particular from Kremlin-linked sources, which threatens Albania’s democratic institutions and EU membership ambitions. They call for greater institutional resilience against abuses of political financing, media manipulation and cyber threats.

Support through EU initiatives

MEPs welcome the new €922 million Reform and Development Mechanism dedicated to the Western Balkans, which will support Albania’s Reform Agenda once the conditions are met. The opening of the European Parliament office in Tirana is seen as an important step in strengthening ties between the EU, local institutions and civil society partners from across the Western Balkans region.

The electoral process and judicial reforms

The report reflects on the parliamentary elections of May 2025, describing them as competitive but held in a deeply polarized environment, with concerns about the use of administrative resources. MEPs call on Albanian political parties to commit to comprehensive electoral reforms, in line with the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission.

Progress made in judicial reform and high-level corruption investigations are welcomed, although political interference remains a challenge. MEPs call for continued efforts to protect the independence of the judiciary and increase accountability.

Latest news