MEPs praise Albania's unwavering commitment to EU membership in a report adopted on Wednesday. The rapporteur for Albania, Andreas Schieder, said that our country is at the forefront of the accession negotiations, but the finish line has not yet been reached.
The report calls for the adoption of important reforms, an end to foreign interference - such as Russian - in hindering the country's EU accession process, and more political dialogue. Regarding the elections, it notes that they were competitive but held in a deeply polarized environment, with concerns about the use of administrative resources.
The report was adopted in the Committee on Foreign Affairs with 57 votes in favour, 11 against and 6 abstentions. It will then be put to a vote at the next plenary session of the European Parliament.
Urgent need for deepening reforms
Welcoming Albania's aim to conclude accession talks by 2027 and the progress achieved so far, MEPs underline the urgent need to intensify reforms. Key priorities include strengthening the independence of the judiciary, fighting corruption and organised crime, and protecting fundamental rights. Strengthening media pluralism and transparency remains essential to build public trust.
Political dialogue and the fight against foreign interference
The report notes that political polarization remains pronounced and accompanied by divisive rhetoric, calling for a more constructive and inclusive political dialogue. MEPs express serious concern about malign foreign influence, in particular from Kremlin-linked sources, which threaten Albania’s democratic institutions and EU accession efforts. They call for increased institutional resilience against political financing abuses, media manipulation and cyber threats.
Support through EU initiatives
MEPs welcome the new €922 million Reform and Growth Instrument dedicated to the Western Balkans, which will support Albania’s Reform Agenda once the conditions are met. The opening of the European Parliament office in Tirana is seen as an essential step to strengthen ties between the EU, local institutions and civil society partners across the region.
The electoral process and judicial reforms
The report analyses the parliamentary elections of May 2025, describing them as competitive but held in a deeply polarized environment, with concerns about the use of administrative resources. MEPs call on Albanian political parties to commit to comprehensive electoral reforms, in line with the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission.
Progress made in judicial reforms and investigations into high-level corruption are welcomed, although political interference remains a challenge. MEPs call for continued efforts to protect the independence of the judiciary and increase accountability.
Rapporteur Andreas Schieder (S&D, Austria) said: “Albania can rightly be called a ‘front-runner’ for EU membership. This is also thanks to the broad support of the Albanian people. But we are not yet at the finish line. It is essential to continue on this path with the same pace and commitment, fighting corruption and strengthening the rule of law. A clear focus is needed on expanding the economic model, creating jobs and improving the social welfare model, as well as on a comprehensive and thorough electoral reform.” (A2 Televizion)
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