EP draft report on Albania 'slaps' Rama: Unequal elections, politics interferes in the judicial system

Politiko.al has published the draft report on Albania in the European Parliament, compiled by the rapporteur for our country, Andreas Schieder, in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the EP. 

The European Parliament's draft report highlights a number of issues, expressing concern about corruption, crime, political interference in justice, lack of media independence, etc. Schieder also focuses on integration, emphasizing that Albania still needs many reforms to fulfill. 

Specifically: 

Political Scene and Polarization
The extreme political polarization and the lack of constructive dialogue between the majority and the opposition are denounced.

The use of divisive rhetoric and political attacks by all parties is criticized, with emphasis on the need to respect the role of Parliament and institutions.

The May 11, 2025 elections
report emphasizes that the elections, although competitive, were not equal, due to:

The use of state resources by the ruling party

Systemic advantages for the majority

Comprehensive electoral reform and full implementation of OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations are required.

European integration
Parliament welcomes Albania's unwavering commitment to EU integration and full alignment with EU foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

The aim is to close membership negotiations by the end of 2027 and open two clusters during 2024.

Parliament emphasizes the need for deep reforms in the rule of law, the fight against corruption, fundamental rights and a free media.

Rule of Law and Justice
Concerns about political interference in the judicial system, including:

Lack of integrity in appointments to the Supreme Court and the Supreme People's Court

Pressure on judges

Strengthening of institutional independence, real implementation of justice reform and punishment of corruption at high levels are required.

Media and Freedom of Expression
The report highlights the worsening climate for free media and journalists, due to:

Concentration of media ownership and its links to politics

Pressure, intimidation and lack of financial transparency

It denounces anti-media rhetoric from senior state officials and calls for strong legal protection for journalists.

 Corruption and Public Financing
Albania ranks 80th in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI 2024), which indicates significant shortcomings in the fight against high-level corruption.

The lack of results in confiscating criminal assets and insufficient institutional support for judges facing threats are highlighted
.

 Disinformation and Foreign Influence
There is evidence of increased malicious influence from foreign actors, particularly pro-Kremlin narratives, cyberattacks, and media interference.

Increased institutional resistance to secret political financing and media manipulation is required
.

Transparency and Governance
The lack of transparency in public consultations and their formal implementation by the Assembly is criticized.

The government is invited to improve access to information, public internal audit and the implementation of the recommendations of the Supreme State Audit Office
.

Law on Protected Areas and Strategic Projects
The European Parliament expresses serious concern about the changes to the Law on Protected Areas, which allow the construction of large projects in ecologically sensitive areas.

The cancellation of these changes is requested, in order to maintain compliance with national and international environmental law.