MEPs praise Albania’s dedication to joining the EU

• Albania’s ambition is to close accession negotiations by the end of 2027

Quality of necessary reforms will determine the timetable

• Addressing political polarisation, strengthening the rule of law and consolidating anti-corruption reforms among the remaining challenges

The Committee on Foreign Affairs commends Albania for its progress in EU accession talks and stresses that implementation of the reforms adopted is now essential.

In a report adopted by 58 votes in favour, 7 against and 7 abstentions, MEPs on the Committee on Foreign Affairs welcome Albania’s outstanding commitment to EU integration and the swift progress it has made in recent years, calling on the authorities to ensure legislation adopted is implemented thoroughly.

Despite the progress achieved, states the report, Albania still faces several challenges, such as overcoming internal political polarisation and improving the political culture, strengthening the rule of law and consolidating anti-corruption reforms.

Noting Albania’s ambition of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2027, the report warns that the quality of the country's reforms will determine the timetable for accession.

Rule of law, judiciary and anti-corruption

While praising the continued implementation of the judicial reform process, MEPs note that the judiciary continues to face political pressure and threats, which risk undermining judicial independence. Furthermore, despite progress in the fight against corruption, it is still a serious concern, say MEPs. The text stresses that Albania must further consolidate its track record for investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, particularly in high-level corruption cases. It also highlights the importance of effectively combating organised crime, including money laundering and drug trafficking networks.

Media freedom and public administration reform

The report calls for further efforts to protect freedom of expression and media pluralism, as well as progress in public administration reform to ensure merit-based recruitment and the depoliticisation of the civil service. While welcoming Albania’s engagement in implementing the EU’s growth plan for the Western Balkans, the report points out to perennial structural weaknesses, such as the challenging business environment. It also highlights the key importance of genuine social dialogue for delivering the benefits of enlargement to all segments of the population.

The MEPs also commend Albania’s continued full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and its constructive role in promoting regional stability.

Parliament will vote on the report at one of its upcoming plenary sessions.

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The rapporteur Andreas Schieder (S&D, Austria) said: “Albania is one of the EU accession front-runners, and this is also reflected in the report. Albania’s goal to close accession negotiations by the end of 2027 is not just a wish that might come true, but a realistic prospect. This year's report puts the spotlight on social issues. It is crucial to not focus only on parameters like the rule of law and the economy when it comes to the accession process. We need to ensure that a well-functioning social system has been established, featuring trade unions and solid labour laws that put workers’ rights first. Only this way we can make sure that Albania is truly ready to be part of the European Union.”