Dutch MEP Sander Smit has raised concerns about the use of pre-trial detention in Albania, as he commented on the case of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj.
Asked about his stance on European Union enlargement and Albania's readiness for membership, Smit described the Veliaj case as of great importance for assessing the rule of law in the country.
According to him, detention is often used in Albania and, in some cases, appears to serve as a political tool. Smit mentioned Veliaj's case alongside the ongoing protests in the country, saying that these developments show that Albania has not yet fully established the rule of law.
Geen bochten afsnijden in het toetredingsproces! 🇪🇺 Albania, Montenegro and Ukraine. Wander is een land klaar voor EU-lidmaatschap? En welke rol speelt de rechtsstaat darby? 👉 Voor BBB is EU-uitbreiding geen doel op zich. Geen toetreding zolang niet aan álle voordean is voldaan. BBB-European Parliamentarian @sandersmitwzn licht zijn staikung toe in deel 3 van onze Q&A.
— BBB Europe (@BBB_EUropa) October 30, 2026
The MEP said that Albania, Montenegro and Ukraine should not join the EU without fulfilling all conditions for the rule of law, the functioning of the internal market and the fight against corruption in government institutions.
He stressed that support for these countries does not mean allowing them to bypass membership criteria.