The authorities in Albania assess the EP report as an incentive to continue reforms

The European Parliament approved today in a plenary session in Strasbourg with 502 votes out of 686 present in the hall, the report on the progress of Albania for the years 2023 and 2024, drafted by Austrian MEP Andreas Schieder.

Meanwhile, after the approval in Strasbourg, the authorities in Albania welcomed the report emphasizing that this report serves as an impetus for continuing the reforms that will make Albania a member of the European Union.

The Albanian President, Bajram Begaj, valued the resolution of the European Parliament as support for the reform process that Albania has undertaken for full membership in the European Union.

“The confirmation and support of the European Parliament gives Albania with the latest resolution energy for the reform process towards membership in the European Union. Gratitude must be expressed through work and parliamentary cooperation in all directions and for every aspect of the resolution,” said President Begaj.

The Speaker of the Assembly of Albania, Elisa Spiropali, stated that this report represents an important political and institutional assessment of Albania’s progress on the path to EU membership and confirms the broad support that the enlargement process enjoys in the European Parliament.

“We welcome the report of the European Parliament, appreciate its constructive and supportive role, and thank the MEPs for their careful monitoring of developments in Albania and in the Balkan region,” emphasized Spiropali.

In the report, MEPs highlight the broad political consensus in Albania and the strong public support for EU membership, along with full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy.

While welcoming Albania’s aim to complete the accession negotiations by 2027 and the progress already made, MEPs emphasize the urgent need to intensify reforms.

The main priorities include strengthening judicial independence, combating corruption and organized crime, as well as protecting fundamental rights.

Increasing media pluralism and transparency remains essential to build public trust, say MEPs.

The report notes the ongoing political polarization marked by confrontational rhetoric and calls for more constructive and inclusive political dialogue.

It also urges the authorities to continue their efforts to protect judicial independence and to enhance accountability. (July 9)