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EP publishes draft report on Albania: Progress in negotiations, but rule of law and fight against corruption remain challenges

2026-02-19 08:56:56Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
EP publishes draft report on Albania: Progress in negotiations, but rule of law
European Parliament

The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee has published the draft report on Albania as part of its 2025 progress assessment, drafted by rapporteur Andreas Schieder. The document assesses the country's progress in the European integration process, but at the same time highlights the challenges that require deeper reforms and sustainable implementation.

The report welcomes Albania's commitment to EU integration and the fact that the country has opened all negotiation chapters within a 13-month period. It also underlines the ambition to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027. However, it emphasizes the need for effective implementation of the adopted legislation and reforms, beyond their formal adoption, writes Voxnews.

Regarding elections, it is assessed that the legal framework is generally suitable for the conduct of competitive elections, but concerns remain regarding the inequality of competition, the use of administrative resources, allegations of vote buying and pressure on voters. In this regard, the majority and the opposition are called upon to undertake a comprehensive electoral reform and to fully implement the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission ahead of future electoral processes.

The draft report expresses concern about the ongoing political polarization and confrontational discourse, which, according to the document, undermine parliamentary control, public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions. The European Parliament encourages the strengthening of parliamentary oversight of the executive, increased transparency in legislative procedures and more meaningful consultation with civil society and independent institutions.

In the area of ​​the rule of law and justice, the report welcomes the continuation of the judicial reform and the vetting process, but emphasizes that corruption remains a serious concern. Albania needs to further consolidate concrete results in investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, especially in cases of high-level corruption. It also requires that corruption be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens' trust and create a predictable business environment, writes Voxnews.

The report underlines the importance of the fight against organized crime, including money laundering and drug trafficking, and calls for increased cooperation with European agencies such as Europol and Eurojust.

In terms of fundamental rights, the need to protect freedom of expression and media pluralism, transparency on media ownership and effective investigation of threats against journalists is emphasized. Stronger measures to protect vulnerable groups and effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation are also called for.

Regarding public administration, the report recognizes progress in strategic planning, but calls for further efforts to guarantee merit-based recruitment and the depoliticization of the civil service.

In the socio-economic field, the document welcomes Albania's commitment to the Western Balkans Growth Plan, but emphasizes that structural weaknesses remain, such as informality and low productivity. Meanwhile, the lack of progress over the last year in the field of environment and climate change is noted with concern.

In conclusion, the draft report reiterates that the enlargement process remains a strategic investment for peace and stability in Europe, while Albania's progress will depend on the full and sustainable implementation of reforms, the strengthening of democratic institutions and the consolidation of the rule of law./VoxNews


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