On the 2025 Commission report on Albania
A-10-2026-0141
Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Andreas Schieder
- Voted on · Adopted 483–103–70 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2025/2250
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This resolution assesses Albania's EU accession progress, welcoming its commitment and full alignment with EU foreign policy, while urging reforms in rule of law, anti-corruption, media freedom, and minority rights.¶¶¶ It calls for comprehensive electoral reform, implementation of ODIHR recommendations, and action against political polarisation, corruption, and organised crime.¶¶¶ It demands stronger protection for journalists, LGBTIQ+ persons, and minorities, and alignment of laws with EU standards, including on defamation and same-sex partnerships.¶¶¶ It highlights socio-economic and environmental concerns, urging reforms in public administration, procurement, waste management, and climate action, and calls for continued EU financial support linked to reforms.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Foreign Affairs proposes a resolution that welcomes Albania's progress but calls for sustained reforms in rule of law, anti-corruption, media freedom, and minority rights, and urges full implementation of EU-related legislation.¶¶¶
Key points
- Welcomes Albania's EU integration progress, including opening all negotiation clusters, and encourages maintaining momentum towards closing negotiations by end of 2027.¶¶
- Calls for comprehensive electoral reform, full implementation of ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations, and measures to ensure fair elections.¶
- Urges political actors to reduce polarisation and engage in constructive dialogue, with meaningful opposition participation and no violent protests.¶
- Calls for stronger parliamentary scrutiny, transparency, and early consultation with civil society and social partners.¶
- Welcomes judicial reform and vetting, but stresses need to address judicial efficiency, enforcement of decisions, and undue influence.¶¶
- Regrets Albania's drop in corruption rankings and calls for stronger anti-corruption efforts, including high-level cases and asset confiscation.¶
- Calls for intensified fight against organised crime, money laundering, and drug trafficking, with cooperation with Europol and Eurojust.¶
- Calls for protection of media freedom, condemns hostility towards journalists, and urges full decriminalisation of defamation.¶¶
- Calls for strengthening minority rights, including education in minority languages, and action against discrimination and anti-gender rhetoric.¶¶¶
- Urges legal measures to recognise same-sex couples and align human rights legislation with EU acquis.¶
- Calls for public administration reform, merit-based recruitment, and alignment of procurement and company law with EU acquis.¶¶
- Urges environmental reforms, including repealing amendments to the Law on Protected Areas and prioritising climate adaptation.¶¶
Who is affected
- Albanian political parties and institutions: must implement electoral and anti-corruption reforms, improve transparency, and engage in dialogue.¶¶¶
- Journalists and media professionals: face hostility and lawsuits; need better protection and decriminalisation of defamation.¶
- Minority groups, including Roma, Egyptians, LGBTIQ+ persons, and recognised national minorities: need improved rights and access to services.¶¶¶
- Civil society organisations: need enabling environment, funding, and involvement in reforms.¶
- EU institutions: must provide guidance, monitor reforms, and ensure transparent use of funds.¶¶¶