
European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, during the 9th Albania - European Union Intergovernmental Conference, said that the EU and Albania had agreed, before the start of the protests in the country, to repeal two laws that have sparked numerous debates.
Kos announced that the changes to the 2024 law on protected areas, as well as the law on strategic investments, will be repealed.
According to the Commissioner, these changes are essential on Albania's path towards membership in the European Union.
"We do not see Albania's path towards the European Union as in danger and the proof is today, where we have closed three chapters. Regarding this specific issue, environmental protection is part of the EU membership criteria and there are currently a number of laws that need to be changed to meet this criterion.
But, before the protests began, we had agreed with Albania to repeal the changes to the 2024 law on protected areas and the law on strategic investments this year.
These changes are necessary to complete the EU integration process and relate to Chapter 27, which deals with the environment. I would encourage the Albanian authorities to undertake them as soon as possible.
"We know that protest is very important. Protests are part of democracy and the way countries deal with them is part of pluralistic and democratic processes. I encourage the Albanian government to take into account the demands of citizens," she said.