Sittings · Document

Draft report (2025/2250(INI)) 2026-03-12

2025 Commission report on Albania

Committee on Foreign Affairs

Official HTML ↗ PDF DOCX

AM_Com_NonLegReport

Amendment 1

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Citation 5 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– Having regard to the EU Negotiating framework with Albania adopted in 2022, whish lays out the guidelines and principles for the accession talks,

Or. en

Amendment 2

Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone, Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch

Motion for a resolution

Citation 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the asylum agreement signed by the Albanian and Italian Governments on November 6, 2023, and ratified by the Albanian parliament on February 22, 2024

Or. en

Amendment 3

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Citation 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the EU-Western Balkans summits, held in Sofia, Zagreb and Brdo pri Kranju in 2018, 2020 and 2021, and their declarations;

Or. en

Amendment 4

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Citation 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the Europol 2025 report on the changing DNA of serious and organised crime1a;

__________________

1a https://www.europol.europa.eu/cms/sites/default/files/documents/EU-SOCTA-2025.pdf

Or. en

Amendment 5

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Citation 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the 2024 Europol on decoding the EU’s Most Threatening Criminal Networks1a;

__________________

1a https://op.europa.eu/s/Ad7g

Or. en

Amendment 6

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Citation 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to Albania’s membership of NATO,

Or. fi

Amendment 7

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Citation 11 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to its resolution of 11 March 2026 on the EU enlargement strategy,

Or. fi

Amendment 8

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Citation 11 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the membership criteria for EU enlargement adopted at the European Council meeting in Copenhagen on 21 and 22 June 1993 (‘Copenhagen criteria’),

Or. fi

Amendment 9

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Citation 14 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– – Having regard to the World Press Freedom Index 2025 Report of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

Or. en

Amendment 10

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Citation 14 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– - Having regard to the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report of World Economic Forum

Or. en

Amendment 11

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Citation 14 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– - Having regard to the 2025 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index

Or. en

Amendment 12

Christophe Gomart

Motion for a resolution

Recital A

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

A. whereas EU enlargement remains a strategic investment in peace, security, stability and democratic and socio-economic development across the European continent;

A. whereas cooperation with the Western Balkan countries is an important element in EU foreign policy, but whereas it can take various forms, including enhanced strategic, economic and sectoral partnerships, without necessarily implying full EU membership;

Or. fr

Amendment 13

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Recital A

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

A. whereas EU enlargement remains a strategic investment in peace, security, stability and democratic and socio-economic development across the European continent;

A. whereas EU enlargement must not be driven by an ideological agenda; whereas enlargement should strengthen, rather than weaken security, stability and democratic and socio-economic development across the European continent;

Or. en

Amendment 14

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Recital A

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

A. whereas EU enlargement remains a strategic investment in peace, security, stability and democratic and socio-economic development across the European continent;

A. whereas EU enlargement is a headlong rush that no longer fully considers the criteria of economic rigor, political stability or securitry as stipulated by the Copenhagen Criteria;

Or. en

Amendment 15

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital A

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

A. whereas EU enlargement remains a strategic investment in peace, security, stability and democratic and socio-economic development across the European continent;

A. whereas EU enlargement remains a strategic investment in peace, security, stability and democratic and economic development across the European continent;

Or. fi

Amendment 16

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Recital B

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

B. whereas Albania has maintained a clear strategic orientation towards EU membership and has demonstrated full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP);

B. whereas Albania has maintained a clear strategic orientation towards EU membership and has demonstrated full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP); whereas EU enlargement policy must recognise that EU membership is not the only possible form of engagement and that alternative frameworks, such as association agreements or enhanced cooperation arrangements, can provide close political and economic cooperation without full membership;

Or. en

Amendment 17

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital B

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

B. whereas Albania has maintained a clear strategic orientation towards EU membership and has demonstrated full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP);

B. whereas Albania has maintained a clear strategic orientation towards EU membership and has demonstrated full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP), including by adhering to the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia and Belarus, and by supporting Ukraine in votes on UN General Assembly resolutions;

Or. fi

Amendment 18

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Recital B

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

B. whereas Albania has maintained a clear strategic orientation towards EU membership and has demonstrated full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP);

Or. en

Amendment 19

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Recital B

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

B. whereas Albania has maintained a clear strategic orientation towards EU membership and has demonstrated full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP);

B. whereas Albania has maintained a clear and consistent strategic orientation towards EU membership and has demonstrated full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the sanctions against Russia and Belarus;

Or. en

Amendment 20

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital D

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

D. whereas the 2025 Commission Report on Albania confirms that the country continues to make progress in most accession-related areas, while underlining the need for deeper, more consistent and irreversible reforms;

Or. fi

Amendment 21

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Recital D

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

D. whereas the 2025 Commission Report on Albania confirms the need for deeper, more consistent and irreversible reforms; whereas persistent deficiencies in key areas demonstrate the country’s unsuitability for EU membership;

Or. en

Amendment 22

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital D

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

D. whereas the 2025 Commission Report on Albania confirms that although the country is making progress in most accession-related areas, there is still a need for deeper, more consistent and irreversible reforms;

Or. fi

Amendment 23

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Recital E

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

E. whereas the credibility of the enlargement process depends on strict conditionality, merit-based progress and the effective implementation of reforms, rather than formal adoption of legislation alone; whereas Albania’s EU accession depends on lasting, in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas, starting with the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions; whereas the quality of a country’s necessary reforms determine the timetable for accession;

Or. en

Amendment 24

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Recital E

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 25

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital E

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

E. whereas the credibility of the enlargement process depends on strict conditionality, merit-based progress and the effective and full implementation of reforms, rather than formal adoption of legislation alone;

Or. fi

Amendment 26

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Recital Ε a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ea. whereas the restitution of property that has been confiscated for at least the past 60 years remains a major and unresolved issue and Albania has committed, with a concrete timeline, to fully register properties, digitalise the cadastral system and return the properties to their rightful beneficiaries, namely citizens, municipalities and religious communities;

Or. el

Amendment 27

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital E a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ea. whereas Albania’s defence spending in 2026 will exceed 2 % of GDP, representing an increase of 12 % on the previous year; whereas 2 % has been the target for NATO member states since 2014;

Or. fi

Amendment 28

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Recital E a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

E a. whereas protection of national and ethnic minorities is crucial for aspiring EU Member States; whereas the implementing legislation on free self-identification and the use of minority languages has been adopted in Albania;

Or. en

Amendment 29

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital E b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Eb. whereas Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has undermined the security situation in Europe and further highlighted the importance of NATO and the strategic position of the Western Balkan countries in the European security architecture;

Or. fi

Amendment 30

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital E c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ec. whereas, on the sidelines of the Davos World Economic Forum in January 2025, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama signed a 10-year agreement on long-term cooperation and support;

Or. fi

Amendment 31

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital E d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ed. whereas hostile external actors, especially Russia, have sought to step up their influence in the Western Balkans in order to undermine European unity; whereas enlargement policy is an important tool for containing Russian influence;

Or. fi

Amendment 32

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital E e (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ee. whereas a condition for EU membership is full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, including stable democratic institutions, respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression, effective prevention of corruption and a functioning market economy;

Or. fi

Amendment 33

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital E f (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ef. whereas there are no shortcuts to EU membership, and whereas candidate countries must be able to carry out the necessary reforms on their own;

Or. fi

Amendment 34

Alexander Sell, Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Recital F

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F. whereas strengthening democratic institutions, judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, media freedom and fundamental rights remains essential for Albania’s accession trajectory;

F. whereas the overall pace of the negotiations is determined by the progress on the fundamentals cluster, the EU should not admit candidate countries that do not comply with fundamental democratic standards, including strengthening democratic institutions, judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, media freedom and fundamental rights;

Or. en

Amendment 35

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Recital F

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F. whereas strengthening democratic institutions, judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, media freedom and fundamental rights remains essential for Albania’s accession trajectory;

F. whereas strengthening democratic institutions, judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, media freedom, fundamental rights and minority rights remains essential for Albania’s accession trajectory;

Or. el

Amendment 36

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Recital F

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F. whereas strengthening democratic institutions, judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, media freedom and fundamental rights remains essential for Albania’s accession trajectory;

F. whereas strengthening democratic institutions, judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, media freedom and fundamental rights is absolutely vital for Albania’s accession trajectory;

Or. fi

Amendment 37

Eszter Lakos

Motion for a resolution

Recital F a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F a. whereas safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes has become a central element of the Union’s enlargement policy; whereas the Commission presented the European Democracy Shield on 12 November 2025, including the establishment of a European Centre for Democratic Resilience as a hub for cooperation to withstand evolving threats such as disinformation and foreign interference; whereas strengthening democratic resilience is an integral part of meeting the political criteria for accession; whereas Albania’s Parliament adopted in July 2025 the country’s first National Strategy against foreign interference and disinformation, and its implementation should ensure a comprehensive approach while safeguarding freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism in line with the Union acquis;

Or. en

Amendment 38

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Recital F a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F a. Whereas Albania has been a target of Russian malign influence campaigns aimed at sowing discord and destabilising the region; whereas Russian and Iranian cyberattacks against Albania in 2022 and 2023 disrupted critical government functions, illustrating the hybrid threats the country faces on its path towards EU integration; whereas Russian propaganda has also targeted major European events hosted in Albania, including the European Political Community summit in Tirana, with pro-Kremlin outlets spreading disinformation to ridicule participants and distort debates on sanctions against Russia, reflecting a broader Kremlin tactic of exploiting international events to manipulate public discourse;

Or. en

Amendment 39

Christophe Gomart

Motion for a resolution

Recital F a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Fa. whereas, according to Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, Albania scores 39/100, three points lower than the previous year and well below the EU and Western European average of 64/100, indicating the persistence of serious structural vulnerabilities in the area of public integrity;

Or. fr

Amendment 40

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Recital F a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F a. Whereas Albania continues to have one of the highest rates of pre-trial detention in Europe, underscoring the need to reduce its reliance on this measure and move away from an overly punitive approach; whereas laws and practice must be more closely aligned with European standards;

Or. en

Amendment 41

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Recital F b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F b. Whereas the so-called “Pravda Shqipëri” website is part of a broader network designed to automatically translate and disseminate Kremlin-aligned content into multiple languages; whereas this network, launched in 2023 and expanded in 2024 to operate in numerous European countries including Albania, aims to spread anti-Western narratives, undermine trust in democratic institutions and amplify Russian geopolitical messaging4a;

__________________

4a https://albania.news-pravda.com/

Or. en

Amendment 42

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Recital F b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F b. Whereas Albania aims for a positive Interim Benchmark Assessment report (IBAR) on Fundamentals during 2026;

Or. en

Amendment 43

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Recital F c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F c. Whereas Albania was the first among candidate countries to have opened accession negotiations under the revised enlargement methodology

Or. en

Amendment 44

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Recital G

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G. whereas the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations to further improve the conduct of elections in Albania have not yet been fully addressed;

G. whereas the 2025 parliamentary elections illustrated persisting systemic electoral shortcomings, including the lack of level playing field between political parties, the widespread misuse of public resources and institutional power by the ruling party, and vote-buying allegations; whereas the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations to further improve the conduct of elections in Albania and bring them fully in line with the OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards have not yet been fully addressed;

Or. en

Amendment 45

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Recital G

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G. whereas the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations to further improve the conduct of elections in Albania have not yet been fully addressed;

G. whereas the fact that the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations to further improve the conduct of elections in Albania have not yet been fully addressed demonstrates that the country does not yet meet democratic standards equivalent to those of EU Member States;

Or. en

Amendment 46

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Recital G a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G a. whereas according to the 2024 Europol report Decoding the EU’s Most Threatening Criminal Networks, Albania and Albanian nationals are involved in several of the EU’s most threatening criminal networks, notably in drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, migrant smuggling and organised property crime, operating across multiple Member States; whereas in 2023, 17 members of a trafficking network, mainly Albanian nationals, were arrested in Belgium and Germany in a Europol-coordinated operation targeting heroin, cocaine and cannabis smuggling across Europe1a;

__________________

1a https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/17-arrested-in-belgium-and-germany-in-takedown-of-clan-based-drug-trafficking-network-0

Or. en

Amendment 47

Davor Ivo Stier

Motion for a resolution

Recital G a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G a. H. whereas Prime Minster Rama, together with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, published an op-ed in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) on February 28, 2026, calling for access to the Schengen Area and the Single Market before EU membership;

Or. en

Amendment 48

Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone, Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch

Motion for a resolution

Recital G a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G a. whereas the Albanian parliament ratified on February 22, 2024 an asylum agreement signed by the Albanian and Italian Governments on November 6, 2023, to host two migrant centres in Albania in order to manage migration flows into Italy;

Or. en

Amendment 49

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Recital G b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G b. whereas according to the 2024 Europol report Decoding the EU’s Most Threatening Criminal Networks, several criminal networks composed of members from the Western Balkan are involved in large-scale cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe, exercising end-to-end control over the supply chain and engaging in violence, kidnappings, executions, corruption, money laundering, weapons and document trafficking across the EU and the Western Balkans; whereas in 2023, in a Europol-supported international operation against a Balkan cartel, Spanish and Serbian authorities seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine on board a large vessel and arrested several suspects involved in trafficking the drug from South America into the European Union1b;

__________________

1b https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/balkan-cartel-sinks-spain-seizes-27-tonnes-of-cocaine-board-large-vessel

Or. en

Amendment 50

Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone, Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch

Motion for a resolution

Recital G b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G b. whereas on January 22, 2026, the Albania’s parliament approved the country’s participation in the Board of Peace, ratifying the accession agreement with bipartisan consensus;

Or. en

Amendment 51

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Recital G c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G c. whereas according to the 2025 Europol report On the Changing DNA of Serious and Organised Crime, the Western Balkan region continues to be a key source of illicit firearms trafficked into the EU and of migrant smuggling services; whereas these trafficking activities exacerbate security concerns for the EU; whereas in 2025, a Europol-supported cross-border investigation dismantled a migrant-smuggling network along the Western Balkans route, resulting in the arrest of four suspects linked to the smuggling of more than 600 migrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina towards EU countries1a;

__________________

1a https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/4-arrests-for-smuggling-over-600-migrants-across-western-balkans

Or. en

Amendment 52

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Recital G d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G d. whereas IPA III, the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance for the period 2021-2027, provides EUR 14.2 billion to support reforms and socio-economic development in the Western Balkans and Turkey;

Or. en

Amendment 53

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph -1 (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

-1. Emphasises that all reforms relating to the Copenhagen criteria, in particular those concerning the rule of law, the prevention of corruption, the functioning of democratic institutions and the protection of fundamental rights, must be fully implemented before EU membership can be considered;

Or. fi

Amendment 54

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 55

Alberico Gambino, Chiara Gemma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

1. Welcomes Albania’s outstanding commitment to EU integration, based on consensus among all political parties and overwhelming support among citizens, and commends the fact that Albania opened all clusters of accession negotiations within just 13 months; notes that support for EU accession among the Albanian population is consistently high, reflecting the strength of Albanian society’s EU ambition; encourages the country to keep up its current reformatory momentum and continue its alignment with the EU acquis, stressing that the progress Albania is making along its European pathway is contributing to stability and security in the Western Balkans.

Or. it

Amendment 56

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

1. Firmly opposes further EU enlargement, as the candidate countries are still far from meeting the political, economic, and social stability criteria outlined in the Copenhagen Criteria, particularly in the case of Albania, whose ongoing political instability, widespread corruption, and persistent organized crime pose significant risks that could jeopardize the safety and security of European citizens; salutes in this regard the work of Europol in helping dismantling numerous Albanian and Western Balkan criminal networks between 2024 and 2026;

Or. en

Amendment 57

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 58

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

1. Notes Albania’s commitment to EU integration, based on consensus among all political parties and overwhelming support among citizens, and notes the fact that Albania opened all clusters of accession negotiations;

Or. en

Amendment 59

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

1. Welcomes Albania’s commitment to EU integration, based on consensus among all political parties and overwhelming support among citizens, and commends the fact that Albania opened all clusters of accession negotiations within just 13 months;

Or. el

Amendment 60

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

1a. Points out that, of all the Western Balkan countries, Albania has the most positive attitude towards the EU; points out that 91 % of Albanians support the country’s EU membership and 82 % have a positive impression of the EU; expects this to be reflected in the nation’s strong commitment to the reforms that are needed in Albania;

Or. fi

Amendment 61

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

1 a. stresses that the EU should actively pursue alternative frameworks of partnership with candidate countries, including enhanced association or cooperation agreements, allowing for close economic and political cooperation without necessarily leading to EU membership;

Or. en

Amendment 62

Alberico Gambino, Chiara Gemma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2. Welcomes Albania’s ambition of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2027 and the swift progress made in recent years; highlights the need to ensure thorough implementation of legislation; highlights the strategic importance of progress in the Western Balkans accession process in the current geopolitical context, and points out that the steps Albania is taking towards EU accession contribute to the stability, security and resilience of the European continent.

Or. it

Amendment 63

Christophe Gomart

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2. Believes that an accelerated timetable for the closure of accession negotiations would be premature in view of the persistent weaknesses identified by the Commission, in particular as regards corruption, organised crime and the informal economy; considers, therefore, that a deeper strategic partnership with the EU would, at this stage, be a more appropriate framework than full membership;

Or. fr

Amendment 64

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2. Notes Albania’s ambition of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2027 and the swift progress made in recent years; highlights the fact that it is essential to ensure that the necessary legislative reforms are implemented effectively and thoroughly;

Or. fi

Amendment 65

Nathalie Loiseau

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2. Takes note of Albania’s ambition of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2027 and welcomes the swift progress made in recent years; highlights the need to ensure thorough implementation of legislation;

Or. en

Amendment 66

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2. Notes Albania’s ambition of joining the EU in 2030 and the progress made in recent years; highlights the need to ensure thorough implementation of legislation;

Or. en

Amendment 67

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2. Welcomes Albania’s ambition of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2027 and the swift progress made in recent years; highlights the need to ensure full and thorough implementation of legislation;

Or. el

Amendment 68

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2. Notes Albania’s stated ambition of closing accession negotiations; reiterates that the current level of reforms demonstrates that Albania is not suitable for EU membership;

Or. en

Amendment 69

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2 a. Stresses that progress in the EU integration process should be pursued without compromising on the quality and inclusiveness of reforms; underlines the importance of adequate stakeholder engagement and national ownership in order to ensure sustainable implementation and lasting impact;

Or. en

Amendment 70

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2 a. highlights the need to ensure full and thorough implementation of the acquis communautaire;

Or. en

Amendment 71

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3. Notes that the Commission assesses Albania’s electoral framework as broadly adequate to conduct competitive elections, while reiterating concerns related to the uneven playing field, misuse of administrative resources, vote-buying allegations and pressure on voters; calls therefore on the majority and the opposition, to pursue constructively and inclusively a comprehensive electoral reform, in close cooperation with civil society, and to fully implement outstanding OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations well ahead of future electoral cycles;

3. Notes that the Commission assesses Albania’s electoral framework as broadly adequate to conduct competitive elections, while identifying systemic and recurring shortcomings and reiterating concerns related to the uneven playing field, misuse of administrative resources, vote-buying allegations and pressure on voters; expresses concern over reports of pressure on public administration employees and other voters, as well as cases of intimidation; emphasises that the lack of a clear separation between state institutions and party structures undermines equal competition; calls therefore on the majority and the opposition, to pursue constructively and inclusively a comprehensive electoral reform, in close cooperation with civil society and relevant international partners, and to fully implement outstanding OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations well ahead of future electoral cycles; stresses that such reform should address structural imbalances in the electoral framework, including campaign finance transparency, equal media access, safeguards against misuse of administrative resources and effective enforcement; underlines that broad political consensus and genuine implementation are essential to ensure public trust in future elections;

Or. en

Amendment 72

Alberico Gambino, Chiara Gemma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3. Notes that the Commission assesses Albania’s electoral framework as broadly adequate to conduct competitive elections, in a reflection of the Albanian authorities’ ongoing commitment to the democratic process, while reiterating concerns related to the uneven playing field, misuse of administrative resources, vote-buying allegations and pressure on voters; calls therefore on the majority and the opposition, while acknowledging the progress made in recent years in strengthening the electoral framework, to pursue constructively and inclusively a comprehensive electoral reform, in close cooperation with civil society, and to fully implement outstanding OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations well ahead of future electoral cycles; commends the Albanian authorities’ cooperation with the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission and calls for this commitment to be maintained in the implementation of its recommendations.

Or. it

Amendment 73

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3. Notes that the Commission assesses Albania’s electoral framework as broadly adequate to conduct competitive elections, while reiterating concerns related to the uneven playing field, misuse of administrative resources, vote-buying allegations and pressure on voters; calls, therefore, on the majority and the opposition to pursue constructively and inclusively a comprehensive electoral reform, in close cooperation with civil society, and to fully implement outstanding OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations well ahead of future electoral cycles, in order to ensure the transparency and fairness of election processes and the oversight of campaign financing;

Or. fi

Amendment 74

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 75

Nathalie Loiseau

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3. Notes that the Commission assesses Albania’s electoral framework as broadly adequate to conduct competitive elections, while reiterating concerns related to the uneven playing field, misuse of administrative resources, funding of political parties, vote-buying allegations and pressure on voters; calls therefore on the majority and the opposition, to pursue constructively and inclusively a comprehensive electoral reform, in close cooperation with civil society, and to fully implement outstanding OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations well ahead of future electoral cycles;

Or. en

Amendment 76

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3. Notes that the Commission assesses Albania’s electoral framework as broadly adequate to conduct competitive elections, however, it is important not to overlook legitimate concerns related to the uneven playing field, misuse of administrative resources, vote-buying allegations and pressure on voters; calls therefore on the majority and the opposition, to pursue constructively and inclusively a comprehensive electoral reform, in close cooperation with civil society, and to fully implement outstanding OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations well ahead of future electoral cycles;

Or. el

Amendment 77

Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3 a. Takes note of the findings of the OSCE/ODIHR final report on the parliamentary elections of 11 May 2025, which identified structural concerns including the blurring of the line between state and ruling party, misuse of public resources, pressure on public administration employees and allegations of vote-buying; stresses that such practices create an uneven playing field and undermine citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions; calls for comprehensive electoral reform, conducted in an inclusive manner with the opposition and civil society and in full alignment with OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations, in order to ensure electoral integrity and equal political competition;

Or. en

Amendment 78

Davor Ivo Stier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3 a. Takes note of Prime Minister Rama’s call for accession to the Schengen Area under the Single Market before EU membership; calls on the European Commission to continue and strengthen the gradual integration approach for Western Balkan countries, but also encourages the Albanian authorities not to slow down the pace of its EU accession negotiations;

Or. en

Amendment 79

Alberico Gambino, Chiara Gemma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4. Expresses concern about continued political polarisation and confrontational political discourse, which undermine parliamentary oversight, public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions; commends the conduct of the most recent parliamentary elections in Albania and underlines the importance of continuing to improve democratic institutions, institutional resilience and the implementation of reforms in the post-election period; encourages all political forces to engage in a constructive political dialogue and take specific steps to overcome political polarisation in the interest of furthering democracy and the country’s European pathway.

Or. it

Amendment 80

David McAllister

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4. Expresses concern about continued political polarisation and confrontational political discourse, which undermine parliamentary oversight, public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions; encourages political actors to re-engage in constructive parliamentary dialogue, ensuring that the parliament remains the central forum for democratic debate and democratic oversight.

Or. en

Amendment 81

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4. Expresses concern about continued political polarisation and confrontational political discourse, which undermine parliamentary oversight, public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions; this issue concerns notably the ongoing work of the special parliamentary committees on electoral and territorial reforms;

Or. el

Amendment 82

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4. Expresses concern about continued political polarisation and confrontational political discourse, which undermine parliamentary oversight, public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions; this includes the current work of the ad-hoc parliamentary committees for the electoral and territorial reforms;

Or. en

Amendment 83

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4. Expresses concern about continued excessive political polarisation which could, at its worst, undermine parliamentary oversight, public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions; stresses, however, that the presence of actors representing different opinions is an essential part of democracy;

Or. fi

Amendment 84

Andreas Schieder, Adnan Dibrani, Tonino Picula, Matjaž Nemec, Thijs Reuten, Marco Tarquinio

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 85

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4. Expresses deep concern about continued political polarisation and confrontational political discourse, which undermine parliamentary oversight, public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions;

Or. en

Amendment 86

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4 a. Underlines that a functioning democracy requires meaningful participation of the opposition in parliamentary procedures; takes note of the unilateral changes to the structure and composition of parliamentary committees, adopted without broad political consensus; expresses concern over reported limitations on opposition initiatives; calls for strengthened procedural guarantees to ensure inclusive deliberation, effective scrutiny of the executive and full respect for parliamentary pluralism;

Or. en

Amendment 87

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4 a. Stresses that pluralism and the coexistence of diverse political viewpoints and parties within a legislative body is a foundational element of European democracy;

Or. en

Amendment 88

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5. Expresses its concern about incidents pointing to manipulation of parliament, with the ruling majority violating the constitutional rights of the opposition, such as the right to set up a commission of inquiry under Article 77 of the Albanian Constitution; encourages stronger parliamentary scrutiny of the executive, enhanced transparency in legislative procedures and more meaningful consultation with civil society organisations, social partners and independent institutions;

Or. el

Amendment 89

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5. Encourages stronger parliamentary scrutiny of the executive, enhanced transparency in legislative procedures and more meaningful consultation with civil society organisations, social partners and independent institutions; stresses that such consultation should take place at an early stage to help determine the need for and design of legislative initiatives, and calls for the systematic use of post-legislative assessment to evaluate their effectiveness and impact;

Or. en

Amendment 90

David McAllister

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5. Encourages stronger parliamentary scrutiny of the executive, enhanced transparency in legislative procedures and more meaningful consultation with civil society organisations, social partners and independent institutions; stresses the importance of strengthening the role and capacities of parliamentary committees, including through improved access to information, expert support and transparent legislative procedures.

Or. en

Amendment 91

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5. Regrets the limited parliamentary oversight over the executive; Encourages stronger parliamentary scrutiny of the executive, enhanced transparency in legislative procedures and more meaningful consultation with civil society organisations, social partners and independent institutions;

Or. en

Amendment 92

Eszter Lakos

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5 a. Calls on Albania to establish an institutionalised democratic resilience framework bringing together the Government and Parliament, independent regulators, with clear responsibilities, regular risk assessments and public reporting on threats to democratic processes, including manipulation of the information environment and covert influence; encourages Albania to engage systematically with the European Centre for Democratic Resilience and relevant Union services to align methodologies, share best practices and participate in joint preparedness activities;

Or. en

Amendment 93

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5 a. Underlines the importance of the timely and full implementation of decisions of the Constitutional Court, as an essential element of the rule of law and institutional balance; stresses that respect for final judicial rulings constitutes a fundamental obligation within a functioning democratic system; reiterates that continued alignment of legislation with the EU acquis, as well as the fulfilment of obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, remains a key priority;

Or. en

Amendment 94

Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5 a. Expresses concern over the frequent recourse to expedited parliamentary procedures for the adoption of legislation, often without sufficient public consultation, impact assessment or substantive parliamentary debate; stresses that inclusive and transparent law-making, based on meaningful consultation with stakeholders, civil society and opposition parties, is a fundamental component of democratic governance and of Albania’s EU integration process;

Or. en

Amendment 95

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5 a. Regrets that the political polarisation in Albania impedes progress in judiciary during the reporting period; corruption remained widespread across vulnerable sectors, affecting both the public and private spheres;

Or. en

Amendment 96

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

6. Recognises the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which is aimed at increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; expresses its concern about the government’s repeated refusal to implement judicial decisions and lift the immunity of government officials involved in corruption scandals, as well as other persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence and pressure on the judicial system, notably through the vetting process; underlines the need for both the executive and the legislative powers of Albania to respect and fully implement, as a matter of priority, binding decisions of the Constitutional Court;

Or. el

Amendment 97

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; commends the High Judicial Council (HJC) and the High Prosecutorial Council (HPC) in Albania, for the enhancement of their procedures and standards applicable to their members; commends the High Judicial Council (HJC) for the new appointments of magistrates, contributing to a reduction of vacancies; notes, however, persistent challenges related to the appointments of non-magistrate members of the HJC and HPC, judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

Or. en

Amendment 98

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; underlines that safeguarding judiciary independence remains essential to the rule of law, alongside continued efforts to further enhance accountability, quality and efficiency of the judiciary, particularly in view of the upcoming post-vetting phase; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

Or. en

Amendment 99

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, with concern the persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence and pressure on the judicial system; underlines the need for both the executive and the legislative of Albania to respect and fully implement, as a matter of priority, decisions of the Constitutional Court;

Or. en

Amendment 100

David McAllister

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

Or. en

Amendment 101

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence, and calls on the Albanian Government to address these shortcomings;

Or. fi

Amendment 102

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, effective enforcement of final court decisions, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

Or. en

Amendment 103

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Welcomes the continued implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which has contributed to increased accountability and integrity within the judiciary; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence;

6. Acknowledges the stated implementation of the justice reform process, including the vetting of judges and prosecutors; notes, however, persistent challenges related to judicial efficiency, case backlogs, consistency of jurisprudence and attempts to exert undue influence; stresses that the incomplete consolidation of judicial independence and efficiency makes Albania unsuitable for EU membership;

Or. en

Amendment 104

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6 a. Recalls that parliamentary immunity is part of the constitutional framework designed to ensure the proper functioning of democratic institutions; emphasises that any decisions in this regard should be taken strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and established legal procedures, without political interference; recalls that the continued fight against corruption remains a fundamental priority in the EU accession process and that full implementation of legislation, adequate resourcing of justice institutions and political leadership by example are essential to maintain reform momentum;

Or. en

Amendment 105

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6 a. Commends the Government of Albania for its publicly expressed commitment to return the Iorga House in Saranda, property of the Government of Romania, which was abusively confiscated during the communist regime; calls for the prompt and full implementation of the 2007 final decision of the Albanian courts, which ruled that this property must be returned to the Government of Romania;

Or. en

Amendment 106

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6 b. Notes with concern that shortages of judges and prosecutors delayed criminal proceedings; underlines with concern reports by the Ombudsperson, the Albania Helsinki Commission, and the Institute for Activism and Social Change indicating that lengthy pretrial detention remains a persistent problem in Albania 1a; notes that while the law requires most pretrial investigations to be completed within three months, prosecutors may extend this period, and that pretrial detention should not exceed three years; highlights that, according to the U.S. State Department’s 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices, the number of persons held in pretrial detention exceeded the number of those serving sentences; urges the relevant justice institutions to work closely with other authorities to ensure the protection of detainees’ basic human rights2a;

__________________

1a https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/albania

2a https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/albania/

Or. en

Amendment 107

Ilaria Salis

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

7. Calls for further strengthening of judicial governance bodies, ensuring their independence, transparency and professional capacity, and for sustained investment in court infrastructure and digitalisation;

7. Recalls that the judiciary continues to face political pressures and threats1a which risk undermining judicial independence; calls for further strengthening of judicial governance bodies, ensuring their independence, transparency and professional capacity, and for sustained investment in court infrastructure and digitalisation;

__________________

1a ‘2025 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Albania’ (SWD(2025)0928), p. 4.

Or. en

Amendment 108

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

7. Commends Albania for the continuous improvement of the efficiency of the Constitutional Court; calls, however, for further strengthening of the broader judicial governance bodies, ensuring their independence, transparency and professional capacity, and for sustained investment in court infrastructure and digitalisation;

Or. en

Amendment 109

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

7. Calls on Albania to further strengthen judicial governance bodies, ensuring their independence, transparency and professional capacity, and to improve efficiency by ensuring sustained investment in court infrastructure and digitalisation;

Or. fi

Amendment 110

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Stresses that corruption remains a serious concern and that, despite progress in the legal and institutional framework, including on whistleblower protection and conflict of interest, Albania must ensure the quality, inclusiveness and effective implementation of the reforms and further consolidate its track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, particularly in high-level corruption cases; calls for strengthened efforts to ensure the effective tracing, freezing, confiscation and management of criminal assets, including through systematic financial investigations, improved inter-agency and cross-border cooperation, and the full use of confiscation tools in line with fundamental rights;

Or. en

Amendment 111

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Stresses that corruption remains a serious concern and that, despite progress in the legal and institutional framework, Albania must further consolidate its track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, particularly in high-level corruption cases; regrets therefore the decision of the speaker of the Kuvendi to postpone the parliamentary vote on lifting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Belinda Balluku's immunity, recalls that this decision is arbitrary and without legal basis; calls on the Kuvendi to address the removal of the immunity of Deputy PM Balluku without delay;

Or. en

Amendment 112

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Regrets that according to the 2025 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index ranking, Albania has fallen to the 91st place, compared to its 2024 ranking at 80th place; stresses that corruption remains a serious concern and that, despite progress in the legal and institutional framework, Albania must further consolidate its track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, particularly in high-level corruption cases;

Or. en

Amendment 113

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 114

Andreas Schieder, Adnan Dibrani, Tonino Picula, Matjaž Nemec, Thijs Reuten, Marco Tarquinio

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 115

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. fi

Amendment 116

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Stresses that corruption remains a serious concern and one of the main challenges in the reform process and that, despite small progress in the legal and institutional framework, Albania must further consolidate its track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, particularly in high-level corruption cases;1a

__________________

1a As highlighted at the European Commission’s 2025 Report “corruption remains widespread across vulnerable sectors affecting both the public and private spheres”.

Or. en

Amendment 117

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Stresses that corruption remains a serious concern and is one of the key challenges of the reform process and that, despite some progress in the legal and institutional framework, Albania must further consolidate its track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, particularly in high-level corruption cases;

Or. el

Amendment 118

Nathalie Loiseau

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Stresses that corruption remains a serious concern and that, despite progress in the legal and institutional framework, Albania must further strengthen dedicated police capacity, consolidate its track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, particularly in high-level corruption cases;

Or. en

Amendment 119

Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 a. Recalls that parliamentary immunity exists to safeguard the proper functioning of democratic institutions and must not be used to shield public officials from judicial scrutiny; emphasises that procedures concerning the lifting of immunity for public officials must be conducted transparently and in full respect of the rule of law; underlines that effective cooperation between political institutions and independent judicial bodies is essential for maintaining public trust and strengthening the fight against corruption;

Or. en

Amendment 120

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8a. Stresses the need to tackle corruption in cases of non-transparent management of European funds, which, among other things, is reflected notably in the European Commission’s decision to suspend rural development funding for Albania under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPARD II), citing serious mismanagement following an investigation by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF);

Or. el

Amendment 121

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 a. Recalls that in case of serious and prolonged stagnation in the reform implementation EU should envisage decisive measures for proportionate sanctioning;

Or. en

Amendment 122

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8a. Stresses that Albania must demonstrate significant progress in preventing corruption before EU membership can be considered;

Or. fi

Amendment 123

Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 b. Notes with concern international assessments highlighting persistent corruption risks in Albania, including findings reflected in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index; underlines that strengthening transparency in public procurement, improving institutional accountability and ensuring effective enforcement mechanisms remain essential for consolidating the rule of law and creating a predictable business environment;

Or. en

Amendment 124

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment;

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment; underscores the key work of Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Structure (SPAK) in achieving tangible progress towards building up a track record of investigating, prosecuting and convicting in high-level corruption cases; cautions against any legal or institutional initiatives limiting SPAK’s investigative powers and undermining the work of independent institutions;

Or. en

Amendment 125

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment;

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment; calls for strengthened transparency, conflict-of-interest controls, integrity risk assessments and targeted preventive measures in high-risk sectors, notably public procurement and concessions, licensing and inspections, as well as construction and spatial planning;

Or. en

Amendment 126

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment;

9. Insists that corruption needs to be rigorously addressed at all levels or-at all tiers of government and administration to ensure effective, credible and accountable functioning of state institutions, thereby strengthening citizens’ trust in them and allow for a predictable business environment, including by overcoming serious challenges linked to the property issue;

Or. en

Amendment 127

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment;

9. Insists that corruption needs to be firmly addressed at all levels of government and administration to ensure the effective, reliable and responsible functioning of state institutions, thereby strengthening citizens’ trust in them and creating a predictable business environment, including by overcoming serious challenges linked to the issue of property;

Or. el

Amendment 128

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment;

9. Commends the Specialised Structure Against Crime and Corruption (SPAK) for its active engagement and efforts in fighting high-level corruption in Albania; insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment;

Or. en

Amendment 129

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment;

9. Reminds that corruption and dysfunctional judiciary impede economic growth; insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment;

Or. en

Amendment 130

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment;

9. Insists that corruption needs to be addressed at all levels to strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and allow for a predictable business environment; insists that rampant corruption is a drag on economic growth;

Or. fi

Amendment 131

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9 a. Expresses concern regarding governance and oversight arrangements in the field of digital public infrastructure and public procurement management, including the role of centralised digital agencies; calls for strengthened parliamentary oversight, independent audits and full transparency in public procurement procedures, in order to ensure compliance with EU standards on competition, data protection and anti-corruption;

Or. en

Amendment 132

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9 a. Underscores the key work of Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Structure (SPAK) in building up a track record of investigating, prosecuting and convicting in high-level corruption cases; urges all actors to stop and refrain from any actions undermining the work of independent institutions such as SPAK;

Or. en

Amendment 133

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9a. Stresses the need to step up efforts in the fight against corruption, including at local government level and in areas such as land management, real estate property registration and urban planning, where irregularities have been repeatedly reported;

Or. el

Amendment 134

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9 a. Stresses the need to intensify efforts to combat corruption, including at local government level and in sectors such as land administration, property registration and urban planning, where irregularities have been repeatedly reported

Or. en

Amendment 135

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Patryk Jaki, Ivaylo Valchev, Chiara Gemma, Rihards Kols, Georgiana Teodorescu, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9 a. Calls on Albania to strengthen its mechanisms for combating organised crime, particularly with regard to cross-border networks involved in the trafficking of drugs and weapons and in illicit financial activities.

Or. en

Amendment 136

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9 a. Urges the Albanian leaders to put in place measures that incentivise jobs creation and entrepreneurial opportunities for the citizens, especially youth employment, as to counter brain-drain and migration;

Or. en

Amendment 137

Alberico Gambino, Chiara Gemma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10. Highlights the importance of effectively combating organised crime, including money laundering and drug trafficking networks, and calls for intensified cooperation with EU agencies such as Europol and Eurojust; welcomes the progress made by the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) in stepping up the fight against corruption and high-level organised crime; recognises the importance of SPAK’s work in strengthening the rule of law and calls for continued efforts to ensure tangible long-term results.

Or. it

Amendment 138

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10. Highlights the importance of effectively combating organised crime, including money laundering and drug trafficking networks; expresses serious concern about the influence and transnational reach of Albanian organised crime networks across several EU Member States; stresses that such networks within the EU represent a major security risk and must therefore be addressed decisively before any steps towards accession are considered;

Or. en

Amendment 139

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10. Highlights the importance of effectively combating organised crime, including money laundering and drug trafficking networks, and calls for intensified cooperation with EU agencies such as Europol and Eurojust; calls on the authorities to speed up work on aligning Albania’s legal framework on organised crime with the EU acquis, strengthen law enforcement capacity and improve the efficiency of investigations;

Or. en

Amendment 140

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10. Highlights the fact that it is extremely important to combat organised crime effectively, including money laundering and drug trafficking networks, and insists on intensified cooperation with EU agencies such as Europol, Eurojust and Frontex, so that the activities of cross-border criminal networks can be addressed effectively;

Or. fi

Amendment 141

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10 a. Expresses its concern about the signing and implementation of the Italy-Albania Memorandum of Understanding and the high risk of fundamental rights violations; recalls the recent Italian court ruling which concluded the MoU to be incompatible with EU law; highlights that following the court ruling, both the Gjader as well as Shengjin facilities have remained empty, and the costs so far are estimated at €653 million; calls for a definite termination of the MoU, and urges the Italian government to refrain from undue pressure on accession countries to conclude opaque, expensive and dysfunctional migration agreements to offload responsibility onto third countries;

Or. en

Amendment 142

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10 a. Notes with concern the activities of organised criminal networks originating from Albania, which impact several EU Member States and internationally; stresses the importance of effective action by Eurojust and other EU bodies to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, organ trafficking and forced prostitution networks.

Or. en

Amendment 143

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11. Welcomes the fact that according to the 2025 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, Albania has increased its ranking from the 99th place in 2024 to the 80th place in 2025; calls for further efforts to protect freedom of expression and media pluralism, including greater transparency of possible conflicts of interest of media owners, safeguards against political and economic pressure on journalists and effective investigation of threats and attacks against media professionals;

Or. en

Amendment 144

David McAllister

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11. Calls for further efforts to protect freedom of expression and media pluralism, including greater transparency of possible conflicts of interest of media owners, safeguards against political and economic pressure on journalists and effective investigation of threats and attacks against media professionals; calls also for increased transparency of media ownership structures and fair distribution of state advertising in order to safeguard editorial independence and media pluralism;

Or. en

Amendment 145

Ilaria Salis

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11. Calls for further efforts to protect freedom of expression and media pluralism, including greater transparency of possible conflicts of interest of media owners, safeguards against political and economic pressure on journalists and effective investigation of threats and attacks against media professionals; stresses that the quality and integrity of information should be protected from political manipulation by economic interest groups linked to political forces;

Or. en

Amendment 146

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11. Underscores the fact that freedom of expression, free and independent media and the safety of journalists are cornerstones of a democratic society; calls for further efforts to protect freedom of expression and media pluralism, including greater transparency of possible conflicts of interest of media owners, safeguards against political and economic pressure on journalists and effective investigation of threats and attacks against media professionals;

Or. fi

Amendment 147

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 a. Welcomes the adoption of the pending implementing legislation on the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, particularly regarding self-identification and the use of minority languages, including at the level of local self-government units; stresses the need for its full and effective implementation through adequate resources and strengthened institutions, including the State Committee on National Minorities; expresses concern over persistent discrimination and social exclusion affecting national minority groups in Albania and urges the authorities to fully protect human rights, investigate all allegations of abuses including hate speech, enhance mechanisms to prevent discrimination and ensure meaningful political participation of all communities; calls on Albania to protect and promote the cultural heritage, languages and traditions of national minorities and to provide education in minority mother tongues;

Or. en

Amendment 148

Eszter Lakos

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 a. Notes that the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission reported structural weaknesses in Albania’s media environment; stresses that this weakens media pluralism and limit voters’ access to diverse, independent and reliable information; calls on the Albanian authorities to promote media and digital literacy as a complementary measure to strengthen the resilience of the information environment, including by integrating media literacy initiatives across the education system, supporting teacher training and modern learning resources, and enhancing cooperation with independent media and relevant EU programmes to promote critical thinking and responsible digital engagement;

Or. en

Amendment 149

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 a. Strongly condemns the hostility against independent journalists and media professionals in Albania, including verbal attacks and anti-media rhetoric by high-ranking officials, smear campaigns, and misogynistic online harassment targeting women journalists, often targeting journalists reporting on the rule of law, corruption and justice; calls on the authorities to stop conducting such campaigns and attacks on journalists, to clearly condemn those who do this, to respect the role of independent journalism as a crucial check on power and to engage with the media in a manner that upholds democratic principles;

Or. en

Amendment 150

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 a. Notes the longstanding historical presence of the Bulgarian community in regions such as Prespa, Gollobordë and Gora, and encourages the Albanian authorities to ensure full respect for their linguistic, cultural and educational rights; commends the support and efforts undertaken thus far by Albania to recognise and support the Bulgarian minority living in these regions; recalls that this recognition reinforces the civic rights and freedoms of Bulgarians in Albania and demonstrates Albania’s firm commitment to the EU accession process through compliance with the Copenhagen criteria;

Or. en

Amendment 151

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 a. Expresses deep concern over incidents of desecration and attacks against Serbian religious monuments and churches that continue to be recorded in the Western Balkans region; stresses that the protection of Serbian cultural and religious heritage constitutes an integral part of Europe’s cultural heritage and calls on all governments in the region, including Albania, to ensure its full protection.

Or. en

Amendment 152

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 a. Notes with concern the continued deterioration in international assessments of media freedom and transparency, including indicators related to ownership concentration, economic pressure and limited access to public information; calls for measurable progress in strengthening the regulatory framework, ensuring the autonomy of oversight bodies and fostering a pluralistic media environment;

Or. en

Amendment 153

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 a. Commends the authorities for providing VAT exemption for projects financed by the European Union in Albania; regrets, however, that civil society organisations in Albania continue to face challenges and receive limited public funding;

Or. en

Amendment 154

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 b. Is highly alerted by the high number of lawsuits against journalists and calls on the authorities to adopt a legal framework that efficiently protects journalists, human rights defenders, environmental activists and other stakeholders from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs); welcomes recent changes to the Criminal Code; regrets, however, that they have not led to the full decriminalisation of defamation and insult, in line with European and international standards;

Or. en

Amendment 155

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 b. Acknowledges the progress Albania has made in recognizing and protecting the Vlach minority, while emphasizing that this community continues to face persistent challenges related to the preservation of their language, culture, and adequate political and social representation; calls for the government of Albania to take further measures to address these issues and ensure full inclusion and rights for the Vlach minority;

Or. en

Amendment 156

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 c. Encourages the Government of Albania, as previously stated in the European Parliament’s 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania, to address and rectify the injustices inflicted by the communist regime on all religious denominations;1a

__________________

1a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-10-2025-0155_EN.pdf par. 27

Or. en

Amendment 157

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 d. Expresses concern over the slow restitution of the religious properties confiscated by communists; notes with concern, furthermore, that, despite numerous requests by religious denominations, the Government of Albania has not returned all sacred objects, relics, icons and archives confiscated during the Communist regime;1a

__________________

1a https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/albania/

Or. en

Amendment 158

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Encourages Albania to strengthen the institutional framework for the protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, including Roma and Egyptians, persons with disabilities, migrant workers and LGBTIQ+ persons, and to ensure effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation; is concerned by anti-gender rhetoric present in the political discourse;

12. Urges Albania to further strengthen the institutional and legal framework for the protection of minorities, including the Greek national minority in Northern Epirus, as well as other communities such as Roma and Egyptians, persons with disabilities, migrant workers and other socially marginalised groups; calls for the effective implementation and enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation and equal access to public services; expresses concern about instances of nationalist rhetoric, including manifestations of hellenophobia and serbophobia, as well as polarising anti-gender rhetoric in the political discourse;

Or. en

Amendment 159

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Stresses the need for Albania to strengthen the institutional framework for the protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, including Roma, Egyptians and the other ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, migrant workers and LGBTIQ+ persons, and to ensure effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation; notes that the strengthening of the institutional framework for the protection of minority rights must be accompanied by effective measures that ensure the full and effective implementation of those rights in practice; is concerned by anti-gender rhetoric present in the political discourse;

Or. el

Amendment 160

Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone, Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Encourages Albania to strengthen the institutional framework for the protection of minorities and vulnerable groups,

Or. en

Amendment 161

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Encourages Albania to strengthen the institutional framework for the protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, including Greeks and Egyptians, persons with disabilities and workers, particularly with regard to the use of the mother tongue in education, public administration and local government, in line with European standards, and to ensure the effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation; is concerned by anti-gender rhetoric present in the political discourse;

Or. en

Amendment 162

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Encourages Albania to strengthen the institutional framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and vulnerable groups, including Roma and Egyptians, persons with disabilities, migrant workers and LGBTIQ+ persons, and to ensure effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation; is concerned by anti-gender rhetoric present in the political discourse;

Or. en

Amendment 163

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 164

Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Calls on Albania to further strengthen the protection of minorities and vulnerable communities, including Roma and Egyptian communities, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups; stresses the importance of effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation, improved access to public services and meaningful participation in social, economic and political life;

Or. en

Amendment 165

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Encourages Albania to strengthen the institutional framework for the protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, including Roma and Egyptians, persons with disabilities, migrant workers and persons belonging to sexual minorities, and to ensure effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation; calls on Albania to ensure the achievement of equality between men and women;

Or. fi

Amendment 166

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 a. Calls for stronger implementation of equal treatment for minorities and communities, ensuring that all ethnic, religious, and social groups are guaranteed equal rights and opportunities, and can fully and effectively participate in social, political, and economic life; recognizes that safeguarding the rights of communities and preventing discrimination are fundamental to fostering social cohesion, democratic governance, and upholding European values;

Or. en

Amendment 167

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 a. Welcomes the adoption of the pending implementing legislation on the rights of persons belonging to minorities, specifically on self-identification and the use of minority languages, and stresses the need for its full respect and effective implementation, including the need to enhance the institutional capacity of the State Committee on National Minorities and local authorities;

Or. en

Amendment 168

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 a. Calls on the Albanian authorities to ensure sustainable access to education in minority languages for recognised national minorities, including Greek, Roma and Bulgarian communities, in areas traditionally inhabited by them, and to support the training of teachers, the development of textbooks and the preservation of cultural identity;

Or. en

Amendment 169

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 a. Calls on Albania to respect the rights of the Greek minority in Northern Epirus and to cease the persecution thereof, particularly in the areas of Argyrokastro, Himarra, Foiniki, Premeti and Korytsa, as well as in other parts of its territory where members of the Greek minority reside.

Or. en

Amendment 170

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 a. Is deeply alarmed by waves of disinformation and hatred against LGBTI persons, including smear campaigns against the work of civil society organisations working towards equality for LGBTI persons; calls on the authorities to hold persons spreading discriminatory rhetoric accountable before the law;

Or. en

Amendment 171

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 b. Recalls the importance of safeguarding the right to property in Albania; calls on the authorities to make decisive progress in first registration and compensation procedures, to improve the transparency and reliability of the state cadastre and the quality of cadastral data in the property register; stresses that the right to a fair trial and to an effective remedy must be fully respected in all cases of expropriation or deprivation of property;

Or. en

Amendment 172

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 b. Calls on the European Commission to continue monitoring the situation of national minorities in Albania, including the Bulgarian community, particularly with regard to access to education in minority languages, cultural rights and the preservation of their historical heritage, and to report on progress in the annual country reports;

Or. en

Amendment 173

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Patryk Jaki, Chiara Gemma, Rihards Kols, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 b. Underlines the need to strengthen the protection of the cultural and religious heritage of all communities, including the restoration and protection of historical monuments and places of worship.

Or. en

Amendment 174

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 b. Commends the adoption of the Law on Gender Equality which is in line with EU acquis and international human rights standards;

Or. en

Amendment 175

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 c. Welcomes the adoption of the pending implementing legislation on the rights of persons belonging to minorities, specifically on self-identification and the use of minority languages, and underscores that these by-laws have to be fully and effectively implemented in order to render the exercising of minority and education rights applicable in practice; calls on the authorities to increase the capacity and resources of the State Committee on National Minorities;

Or. en

Amendment 176

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 c. Calls for the government to draft legal measures, such as registered partnership, to recognise and protect same-sex couples, as per the government’s commitment in the National Action Plan for LGBTI Persons (2021–2027), and in order to bring Albania’s legislation on human rights in line with EU acquis;

Or. en

Amendment 177

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 c. Stresses the importance of protecting the cultural identity of all minorities, including the Greek minority.

Or. en

Amendment 178

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 d. Calls on the Albanian authorities not to undermine the institutional importance of minority protection and to ensure that minority rights remain a priority coordinated at the highest level of government;

Or. en

Amendment 179

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13. Underlines the need to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups;

13. Regrets that persistent issues of discrimination and social exclusion affecting minority groups in Albania, particularly in access to education, employment, and public services, still remain; calls on the government to fully align anti-discrimination policies and minority rights with the EU acquis; underlines the need to improve access to justice and political participation, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups;

Or. en

Amendment 180

David McAllister

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13. Underlines the need to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups;

13. Underlines the need to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups; highlights also the importance of preserving sites of memory related to the communist dictatorship and supporting remembrance and educational initiatives that promote historical awareness and strengthen democratic culture, particularly among younger generations;

Or. en

Amendment 181

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13. Underlines the need to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups;

13. Underlines the need to explore various options to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups;

Or. fi

Amendment 182

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13. Underlines the need to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups;

13. Urges Albania to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups;

Or. en

Amendment 183

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13a. Calls for property rights to be guaranteed in practice through the return of confiscated property to the legitimate beneficiaries, namely citizens, municipalities and religious communities, which has been a pending issue for over 60 years, and is a precondition for Albania to fulfil its commitments in this regard as part of its path towards accession; stresses that any backsliding, obstructionism, or selective enforcement in the property restitution process is contrary to the principles of the rule of law as well as Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

Or. el

Amendment 184

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13 a. Welcomes Albania’s vibrant and constructive civil society which plays a crucial and positive role in the reform process; encourages the government to enhance its cooperation with civil society, in particular also with women’s rights organisations, on decision-making and to build collaborative relationships, genuinely implicating civil society in a transparent legislative process from an early stage onwards; underlines that civil society is vital in fostering democracy and pluralism and promoting good governance and social progress;

Or. en

Amendment 185

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13 a. Is concerned that according to the 2025 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report ranking, Albania has fallen from the 23rd place in 2024 to the 36th place in 2025 globally, indicating a widening gender gap; regrets that the legal framework for combating gender-based violence is not yet aligned with the Istanbul Convention; urges the government to enhance support services for victims, particularly in healthcare, shelter funding, free legal aid, and reintegration and rehabilitation programmes;

Or. en

Amendment 186

Ilaria Salis

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13 a. Expresses concern about the difficulties faced by civil society organisations, ranging from dysfunctional registration requirements to smear campaigns and other forms of political attacks against them2a, and calls on the authorities to ensure an enabling, safe and non-discriminatory environment for their activities in line with European standards;

__________________

2a ‘2025 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Albania’ (SWD(2025)0928), p. 17.

Or. en

Amendment 187

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13 b. Is concerned with the fact that the National Agenda on the Rights of the Child (NARC) 2021-2026 is not yet fully implemented and access to justice for children is hindered by delays, limited legal aid, and inadequate institutional coordination; regrets that the majority of children in Albania, remain at risk of poverty; calls the Albanian authorities to effectively implement the National Agenda on the Rights of the Child (NARC) by providing assistance to children facing exclusion and poverty;

Or. en

Amendment 188

Ilaria Salis

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13 b. Calls on the authorities to strengthen their capacity to effectively implement the national asylum framework, with a view to guaranteeing full respect for the right to asylum on their territory in line with European and international standards; also encourages forthcoming legislative national reforms in the field of asylum and migration, designed to ensure compatibility with EU legislation, to fully respect those same guarantees;

Or. en

Amendment 189

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13b. Calls on Albania to make decisive progress on the initial registration of property and on fair, commonly accepted compensation, improving the transparency of the state cadastre and the quality of cadastral data in the real estate register, and to ensure that the right to a fair trial and the right to effective judicial protection are respected in cases of expropriation and removal of real estate;

Or. el

Amendment 190

Ilaria Salis

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13 c. Takes note of the Italy-Albania Memorandum of Understanding, in particular in light of recently adopted EU legislation, namely Amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 as regards the establishment of a list of safe countries of origin at Union level; is concerned about the possible advancements of the implementation of the Italy-Albania Memorandum; calls in this context for close monitoring of the implementation process, with a particular focus on fundamental rights and the principle of non-refoulement;

Or. en

Amendment 191

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13c. Stresses the need to step up efforts to search for and identify missing persons, victims of Albania’s totalitarian regime, and to return remains to their families in a dignified manner;

Or. el

Amendment 192

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14. Acknowledges progress in public administration reform, including strategic planning and coordination; stresses, however, that further efforts are required to ensure merit-based recruitment and depoliticisation of the civil service;

14. Acknowledges progress in public administration reform, including strategic planning and coordination; welcomes the adoption of the Cross-Cutting Strategy on Public Administration Reform (PAR) 2025-2030; stresses, however, that further efforts are required to ensure merit-based recruitment and depoliticisation of the civil service;

Or. en

Amendment 193

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 194

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14. Acknowledges progress in public administration reform, including strategic planning and coordination; stresses, however, that further efforts are required to ensure transparent and merit-based recruitment and depoliticisation of the civil service;

Or. en

Amendment 195

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14. Acknowledges progress in public administration reform, including strategic planning and coordination; stresses, however, that further efforts are essential to ensure merit-based recruitment and depoliticisation of the civil service;

Or. fi

Amendment 196

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14a. Stresses that the upcoming reforms concerning the administrative boundaries of municipalities and regions must be in line, both in terms of planning and practical implementation, with Article 108 of the Albanian Constitution which provides, among other things, that any territorial and administrative division or grouping must be based on mutual economic needs and interests as well as on the historical tradition and identity of the area, and administrative boundaries cannot be altered without taking into account the opinion of the inhabitants of both administrative units to be divided or grouped together;

Or. el

Amendment 197

Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14 a. Calls for a review of the territorial and administrative organisation of local government in Albania with the aim of strengthening local democracy, improving public service delivery and ensuring balanced territorial representation; stresses that any reform in this area should be conducted through an inclusive process and based on objective socio-economic criteria and European standards of local self-government;

Or. en

Amendment 198

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14a. Emphasises that the most qualified candidates must be selected for positions in the public sector; expresses, in this context, its opposition to gender quotas, which, rather than promoting equality between men and women, are actually at odds with the principle of recruitment based on merit;

Or. fi

Amendment 199

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14 a. Is concerned, that the legal framework for public procurement as well as company law legislation are not fully aligned with the EU acquis; calls on authorities to continue their efforts to fully align Albania’s legislation with the EU acquis;

Or. en

Amendment 200

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14 a. Expresses serious concern over incidents of intimidation or administrative measures affecting the Greek minority and calls on the authorities to promptly investigate such allegations.

Or. en

Amendment 201

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15. Calls for improved policy planning, evidence-based decision-making and transparent budgetary processes, including strengthened parliamentary oversight of public finances;

15. Calls for improved policy planning, evidence-based decision-making and transparent budgetary processes, including strengthened parliamentary oversight of public finances; insists on improving the financial resources, administrative capacity and fiscal autonomy of local authority units;

Or. en

Amendment 202

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15a. Welcomes the adoption of pending implementing laws on the rights of persons belonging to minorities, in particular regarding self-identification and the use of minority languages, and stresses the need for its full respect and effective implementation, including the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of the State Committee on National Minorities and of local authorities;

Or. el

Amendment 203

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15 a. Commends the Albanian authorities for the recent adoption of the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025-2030; welcomes the alignment of the current Law on cybersecurity with the EU Directive on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union (NIS 2 Directive); commends the authorities for adopting an updated list of operators of critical and important information infrastructure;

Or. en

Amendment 204

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15b. Calls on Albania to make decisive progress on the initial registration of property and on fair and commonly accepted compensation, on improving cadastral transparency and the quality of cadastral data in the real estate register;

Or. el

Amendment 205

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15 b. Welcomes Albania’s continuous improvement of data transmission to Eurostat; calls on authorities to further increase the production and distribution of high-quality data;

Or. en

Amendment 206

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15 c. Commends the government for adopting the new laws on trademarks and patents; calls on the authorities to fully align Intellectual property law with the EU acquis and continue strengthening it;

Or. en

Amendment 207

Sebastian Everding, Pernando Barrena Arza

Motion for a resolution

Subheading 4 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Urges stronger enforcement of animal welfare legislation, adequate support and oversight of shelters, comprehensive sterilisation and castration programmes to address the stray animal population and to ensure the full and effective enforcement of existing animal welfare legislation in practice and calls for enhanced public education on responsible pet ownership in line with Albania's EU accession commitments;

Or. en

Amendment 208

Matthieu Valet, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16. Welcomes Albania’s engagement in implementing the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans; notes, however, that structural weaknesses persist, including informality, limited productivity growth and a challenging business environment; reiterates the importance of improving the transport infrastructure between the Western Balkan countries and developing connections with EU Member States;

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 209

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 210

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16. Welcomes Albania’s engagement in implementing the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans; notes, however, that structural weaknesses persist, including informality, limited productivity growth and a challenging business environment; reiterates the importance, for the countries in the region, of improving the transport infrastructure between the Western Balkan countries and developing connections with EU Member States, including with a view to improving military mobility;

Or. fi

Amendment 211

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16. Notes Albania’s engagement in implementing the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans; expresses concern that significant structural weaknesses persist, including informality, limited productivity growth and a challenging business environment; reiterates the importance of improving the transport infrastructure between the Western Balkan and developing connections with EU Member States;

Or. en

Amendment 212

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16. Welcomes Albania’s engagement in implementing the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans; notes, however, that structural weaknesses persist, including informality, limited productivity growth and a challenging business environment; reiterates the importance of improving the transport infrastructure between the Western Balkans and developing connections with EU Member States;

Or. el

Amendment 213

Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16 a. Encourages Albania to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for screening foreign direct investment in strategic sectors, including critical infrastructure, energy, digital systems and defence-related technologies; stresses that a transparent and effective screening mechanism aligned with EU standards is essential to protect national security, prevent undue foreign influence and ensure fair market competition;

Or. en

Amendment 214

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16 a. Welcomes the adoption of the Strategy for the Modernization and Harmonization of Albanian Customs Information Systems with the European Union Systems, for the period 2025-2030; commends the authorities for their efforts to meet EU standards by harmonising and improving customs infrastructure;

Or. en

Amendment 215

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16 a. Invites for more active use of strategic procurement in infrastructure projects which will contribute to the EU strategic competitiveness and increase the investment opportunities for the European companies;

Or. en

Amendment 216

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16 a. Regrets that the inefficiency in public administration, and corruption pose further challenges to the business environment; regrets that the large informal economy impedes the business environment and competition;

Or. en

Amendment 217

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16 a. Welcomes Albania’s operational participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA);

Or. en

Amendment 218

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16 b. Reiterates the importance of improving the public infrastructure within the Western Balkans countries and with the EU Member States; recalls the potential of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans to enhance regional connectivity through Rail and Highway; in that respect urges the authorities in all countries to complete Corridor VIII connecting Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria; recalls the importance of developing air connections within the Western Balkans countries and with the EU Member States;

Or. en

Amendment 219

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16 b. Warmly welcomes the Commission proposal to open negotiations to extend the EU 'roam like at home' regime to the Western Balkans and calls on the Council to swiftly authorise the opening of negotiations with the Western Balkan partners;

Or. en

Amendment 220

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16 c. Calls for the implementation of a comprehensive FDI Screening mechanism as a strategic initiative for protecting national interests, enhancing security, and ensuring predictability for investors and consistency with EU standards;

Or. en

Amendment 221

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17. Highlights the importance of investing in education, skills development and innovation to support sustainable growth and social cohesion;

17. Highlights the importance of investing in education, skills development and innovation to support sustainable growth and social cohesion; commends the government for the adoption of legislative acts to reform higher education and for the continuous implementation of the National Strategy for Education 2021-2026; calls on the authorities to finalise the implementing legislation for the Law on cultural heritage and museums;

Or. en

Amendment 222

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17. Highlights the importance of investing in education, skills development and innovation to support sustainable growth and social cohesion;

17. Highlights the importance of investing in education, skills development and innovation to support sustainable growth and social cohesion; stresses that the education system must promote social cohesion and the democratic education of young people by avoiding propaganda and irredentist references that are often observed in school textbooks and constitute an obstacle to building a common European identity;

Or. el

Amendment 223

David McAllister

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17. Highlights the importance of investing in education, skills development and innovation to support sustainable growth and social cohesion;

17. Highlights the importance of investing in education, skills development and innovation to support sustainable growth and social cohesion; encourages policies aimed at reducing youth emigration and strengthening opportunities for young professionals through improved labour market conditions, education reform and innovation support;

Or. en

Amendment 224

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17. Highlights the importance of investing in education, skills development and innovation to support sustainable growth and social cohesion;

17. Highlights the importance, for the Albanian Government, of investing in education, skills development and innovation to support sustainable growth and social cohesion;

Or. fi

Amendment 225

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

18. Underlines the key importance of genuine social dialogue for delivering benefits of enlargement to different segments of the population; regrets the low frequency of National Labour Council meetings; calls for strengthening of the tripartite consultation process, including adequate trade union representation; stresses the need to further support capacity building of social partners;

18. Underlines the key importance of genuine social dialogue for delivering benefits of enlargement to different segments of the population; welcomes the improvement of database transfer and early connection with EURES, which were made possible by the full alignment of the National List of Occupations with the ESCO multilingual classification of Skills, Competences and Occupations; regrets, however, the low frequency of National Labour Council meetings; calls for strengthening of the tripartite consultation process, including adequate trade union representation; stresses the need to further support capacity building of social partners;

Or. en

Amendment 226

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

18. Underlines the key importance of genuine social dialogue for delivering benefits of enlargement to different segments of the population; regrets the low frequency of National Labour Council meetings; calls for the tripartite consultation process to be strengthened and for action to be taken to ensure that trade unions are adequately represented; stresses the need to further support capacity building of social partners;

Or. fi

Amendment 227

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

18 a. considers, appropriate to temporarily exclude Albania from the Western Balkans Facility, for the following reasons:

(a) its foreign policy aligns with countries that target the interests of EU Member States and international law,

(b) it is a long way from showing even basic respect for the rule of law, with the executive fully controlling the courts,

(c) it violently attacks the rights of minorities, such as the Greek ethnic minority of Northern Epirus, in manifold ways.

Or. en

Amendment 228

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

18 a. Welcomes the opening of accession negotiations with Albania on Cluster 4 (Green agenda and sustainable connectivity), including Chapter 27 on environment and climate change; underlines that progress towards the provisional closure of the Chapter requires an actual track record of achievement of the closing benchmarks, implementation and enforcement of the environmental acquis, notably on environmental assessments, nature protection laws and public participation rights;

Or. en

Amendment 229

Ilaria Salis, Sebastian Everding

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19. Notes with concern the Commission’s assessment that there had been no progress on environment and climate change over the past year;

19. Notes with concern the Commission’s assessment that there had been no progress on environment and climate change over the past year; expresses especially deep concern about the continuation of the construction works of the international airport of Vlora inside the protected area of Pishë Poro-Nartë, disregarding the warnings of the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Bern Convention3a, and urges full compliance with national and international environmental law and proper environmental impact assessments; stresses that recent designations of areas such as the Vjosa Wild River National Park must be matched by effective implementation of protection measures, including pollution control, waste management and sustainable development safeguards; calls on the authorities to strengthen protection and habitat restoration for the critically endangered Balkan lynx and other threatened species, and to ensure rigorous enforcement of anti-poaching and habitat conservation laws;

__________________

3a Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Recommendation No. 219 (2023) of the Standing Committee, adopted on 5th September 2023 and revised on 1st December 2023, on the possible impacts of infrastructure and urbanisation developments particularly Vlora International Airport, on the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area (Albania).

Or. en

Amendment 230

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19. Notes with concern the Commission’s assessment that there had been no progress on environment and climate change over the past year;

19. Commends the government for its announcement to reform the waste management sector, centralising and improving waste collection and management; however, notes with concern the Commission’s assessment that there had been no progress on environment and climate change over the past year; urges the Albanian government to prioritize the implementation of climate adaptation strategies, the development of renewable energy sources, and support sustainable economic growth;

Or. en

Amendment 231

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19. Notes with concern the Commission’s assessment that there had been no progress on environment and climate change over the past year;

19. Notes with concern the Commission’s assessment that there had been no progress on environment and climate change over the past year; calls on Albania to take more effective measures to ensure better implementation of environmental protection;

Or. fi

Amendment 232

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 a. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal to open negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia with a view to their integration into the EU’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ regime; emphasises that extending the ‘Roam Like at Home’ area to the Western Balkans would deliver tangible benefits to citizens and businesses alike, fostering people-to-people contacts, boosting economic ties, supporting educational exchanges and facilitating tourism; notes that this initiative builds on existing voluntary roaming arrangements and on the Western Balkans regional roaming agreement endorsed at the Tirana Summit; calls for the swift adoption of the negotiating mandates and the timely conclusion of bilateral agreements with the Western Balkan partners, in order to ensure their rapid and effective integration into the EU’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ area;

Or. en

Amendment 233

Ilaria Salis

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 a. Warns about the way major energy infrastructure projects, such as the Italy–Albania–United Arab Emirates agreement, risk benefiting primarily foreign investors and large corporations; stresses that, in such a context, local populations may bear the environmental and social costs of the projects, including degradation of their living environment, loss of access to land and resources, and limited sharing of the economic benefits; calls therefore for more transparent and inclusive decision making processes regarding such agreements;

Or. en

Amendment 234

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 a. Calls on the Albanian authorities to adopt and implement without further delay the updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) 2021–2030 and to update and operationalise the National Adaptation Plan, while aligning with the Monitoring, Reporting, Verification and Accreditation (MRVA) acquis as a prerequisite for introducing carbon pricing mechanisms and progressing towards alignment with the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS);

Or. en

Amendment 235

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 a. Welcomes the fact that banks in Albania officially began executing cross-border euro transactions through the SEPA system; commends authorities for their strong efforts in fighting money laundering by adopting the National Strategy on the Fight Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing 2024-2030;

Or. en

Amendment 236

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 b. Notes with serious concern the continued lack of progress in the field of environment and climate and urges Albania to achieve full alignment, implementation and enforcement of the EU environment and climate acquis, in particular the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directives, ensuring that all infrastructure and investment projects fully comply with EU environmental standards, nature and water protection obligations, and guarantee effective public participation and access to justice;

Or. en

Amendment 237

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 b. Highlights that the internal control system of the Public Internal Financial Control (PIFC) remains partially effective, necessitating further efforts toward advancing PIFC reform implementation; calls on Albania to increase the accountability and transparency of state-owned enterprises by making their annual financial performance reports publicly available; calls on authorities to ensure that recommendations of the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution (ALSAI) are fully implemented;

Or. en

Amendment 238

Ilaria Salis

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 b. Calls for increased efforts to foster compliance with EU labour law and the EU occupational health and safety framework, including the full implementation of non-discriminatory policies and equality measures, and urges the relevant national authorities to ensure effective monitoring, enforcement and adequate sanctions in cases of non-compliance;

Or. en

Amendment 239

Ilaria Salis

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 c. Calls for further development and effective implementation of the social housing framework in Albania, based on the continuation and improvement of the “National Strategy for Social Housing 2016–2025”, so as to ensure stable and decent living conditions for lower-income and vulnerable groups4a; underlines, in particular, the importance of accessible and affordable social housing for young people, including students and apprentices, as it supports their geographic mobility, access to education and training, and successful integration into the labour market;

__________________

4a UNECE, Country Profiles on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management - Albania, 2024, p. 20.

Or. en

Amendment 240

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 c. Deeply regrets the extension of the 2015 Law on Strategic Investments, in view of its provisions enabling accelerated permitting procedures and reduced environmental scrutiny, which risk adversely affecting protected areas and other environmentally sensitive zones; urges the establishment of an investment framework fully aligned with the EU environmental acquis, transparency standards and nature protection obligations;

Or. en

Amendment 241

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 c. Commends the authorities for aligning the private pension fund legislation with the EU acquis; calls for the further implementation of bank recovery and resolution framework; calls on Albania to complete its alignment with the EU acquis on insurance, capital markets, securities markets, investment funds and financial market infrastructures;

Or. en

Amendment 242

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 d. Calls for repealing the 2024 amendments to the Law on Protected Areas, which allow the development of large-scale tourism infrastructure within protected areas and transfer key governance and decision-making competences from the ministry responsible for the environment to the National Council of Territory, thereby weakening environmental oversight and undermining the integrity and conservation objectives of Albania’s protected areas network;

Or. en

Amendment 243

Ilaria Salis, Sebastian Everding

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 d. Urges stronger enforcement of animal welfare legislation, adequate support and oversight of shelters, comprehensive sterilisation and castration programmes to address the stray animal population and to ensure the full and effective enforcement of existing animal welfare legislation in practice and calls for enhanced public education on responsible pet ownership in line with Albania's EU accession commitments;

Or. en

Amendment 244

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 e (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 e. Recalls the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention Recommendation No. 219 (2023) and calls on the Albanian authorities to suspend construction works related to Vlora International Airport until a new legally compliant Environmental Impact Assessment has been conducted, including an Appropriate Assessment, with meaningful public participation and an assessment of reasonable alternatives;

Or. en

Amendment 245

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 f (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 f. Expresses concern about decisions that have removed protection for ecologically valuable parts of the former Vjosë-Nartë Protected Landscape, to accommodate the building of Vlora International Airport, and calls on Albania to restore the integrity and conservation objectives of the protected area; underlines that candidate Emerald sites and potential future Natura 2000 sites must not be subject to downgrading or carve-outs linked to major infrastructure and tourism development;

Or. en

Amendment 246

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 g (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 g. Urges Albania to abandon the proposed Skavica hydropower plant (HPP) on the Black Drin River, given the severe ecological, social, and cultural impacts it would, including displacement of local communities, and loss of priority habitats such as of the Balkan lynx, the brown bear and the grey wolf;

Or. en

Amendment 247

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 h (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 h. Welcomes the submission of the regional conservation strategy for the Balkan lynx under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and calls for its swift adoption and effective implementation; calls on Albania to urgently designate and effectively manage key protected areas critical for the survival of the critically endangered Balkan lynx;

Or. en

Amendment 248

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 i (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19 i. Urges the Albanian authorities to significantly strengthen monitoring, inspection and enforcement capacities to combat environmental crime, including by increasing human and financial resources for environmental inspectorates and prosecution services, enhancing inter-institutional coordination, ensuring effective sanctions, and achieving full alignment with the Environmental Crime Directive and the Environmental Liability Directive;

Or. en

Amendment 249

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Subheading 5

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Foreign policy and regional cooperation

Foreign and security policy and regional cooperation

Or. fi

Amendment 250

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Reiterates the importance of Albania’s continued alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and with EU-led regional cooperation frameworks; expresses concern regarding Albania’s participation in the “Open Balkans” initiative, noting that it risks duplicating or undermining the objectives and inclusiveness of the Berlin Process; stresses that regional cooperation initiatives should remain fully consistent with EU policies, the Berlin Process framework and the goal of comprehensive, inclusive integration of all Western Balkan partners;

Or. en

Amendment 251

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Commends Albania’s continued full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including restrictive measures, Albania’s continued engagement in CSDP missions and operations, and its constructive role in promoting regional stability; stresses the importance of further cooperation such as joint training initiatives, shared intelligence capabilities, and enhanced border security measures to address regional and global security challenges;

Or. en

Amendment 252

Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone, Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Commends Albania’s continued full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including restrictive measures, Albania’s continued engagement in CSDP missions and operations, and its constructive role in promoting regional stability, welcome in this regards that the Albania’s parliament approved the country’s participation in the Board of Peace, ratifying the accession agreement with bipartisan consensus;

Or. en

Amendment 253

Andreas Schieder, Adnan Dibrani, Tonino Picula, Matjaž Nemec, Thijs Reuten, Marco Tarquinio

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Commends Albania’s continued full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including restrictive measures, Albania’s continued engagement in CSDP missions and operations, and its constructive role in promoting regional stability; welcomes the enhanced cooperation on security and defence issues through the EU-Albania Security and Defence Partnership and Security and Defence Dialogues;

Or. en

Amendment 254

Alberico Gambino, Chiara Gemma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Commends Albania’s continued full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including restrictive measures, Albania’s continued engagement in CSDP missions and operations, and its constructive role in promoting regional stability, including in border management and the fight against migrant smuggling;

Or. it

Amendment 255

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Commends Albania’s continued full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including restrictive measures imposed against Russia and Belarus, Albania’s active NATO membership, its continued engagement in CSDP missions and operations, and its constructive role in promoting regional stability;

Or. fi

Amendment 256

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Stresses that the EU aims for Albania to become a reliable partner in the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, including alignment with restrictive measures; welcomes Albania’s continued engagement in CSDP missions and operations;

Or. en

Amendment 257

Alberico Gambino, Chiara Gemma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20a. Commends Albania’s consistent alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy; stresses that this commitment, paired with Albania’s membership of NATO, helps to enhance the stability and security of the Western Balkans and underpins the country’s strong pro-Euro-Atlantic slant.

Or. it

Amendment 258

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 a. Commends Albania for maintaining constructive relations with Israel and the countries of the Middle East, illustrating its role as a bridge-builder and contributing to its emergence as a diplomatic hub in the region; welcomes its continued commitment to combating antisemitism and promoting interfaith dialogue and tolerance;

Or. en

Amendment 259

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 a. Recalls that the rapid reform rate and political resolve, resulted in an unprecedented timeframe in which all negotiations clusters were opened can serve as an example for other candidate countries in the region which have stalled in completing the necessary reforms;

Or. en

Amendment 260

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20a. Notes that Albania opened a diplomatic mission in Kyiv on 18 January 2025 – the first new delegation in the city since the start of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression;

Or. fi

Amendment 261

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 a. Εxpresses concern over the growing influence of Turkey over Albania; calls on the EEAS to closely monitor Turkey’s activities in Albania that may conflict with EU interests and values;

Or. en

Amendment 262

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Patryk Jaki, Rihards Kols, Georgiana Teodorescu, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 a. Calls on Albania to strengthen the fight against illegal fishing and to demonstrate goodwill with regard to cooperation with neighbouring Member States of the Union.

Or. en

Amendment 263

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 b. Recalls Albania's role as a major east-west transport hub and Adriatic gateway for the Balkan penninsula; recalls that Corridor VIII is a key instrument for European integration , security, economic development and regional stability; underlines the need to reposition Corridor VIII within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) so that the project can fully benefit from European priority planning, financing and implementation; recalls the importance of Corridor VIII for military mobility;

Or. en

Amendment 264

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 b. Commends Albania for co-sponsoring UN Security Council Resolution S/RES/2817 (2026), tabled by Bahrain on behalf of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan, condemning the Iranian attacks against these countries; underlines that this was in line with the position of all EU Member States and demonstrates Albania’s strong commitment to international law and regional stability;

Or. en

Amendment 265

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20b. Commends Albania for the support the country has provided to Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion; points out that, in addition to diplomatic support, Albania has supplied Ukraine with military equipment such as MaxxPro vehicles and shells; urges Albania to continue and further strengthen its support for Ukraine in order to boost its defence capabilities;

Or. fi

Amendment 266

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 b. Notes the legal soundness of the 2009 Greece–Albania agreement on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone, which was subsequently annulled by the Albanian Constitutional Court following a challenge brought forward by the party of Edi Rama.

Or. en

Amendment 267

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 b. Expresses concern over instances where public discourse may undermine good neighbourly relations or create tensions in the region.

Or. en

Amendment 268

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 c. Expresses concern over the growing influence of Russia in the EU neighbourhood; commends the actions taken by Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) in October 2024, which resulted in the closure of 155 Russian operated online accounts involved in disseminating disinformation, as well as eight accounts linked to cyber espionage groups; 1a underlines that these measures reflect Albania’s ongoing efforts to mitigate cyber threats; urges the EU to enhance its support to Albania in countering Russia’s malign influence and safeguarding regional stability;

__________________

1a https://politiko.al/english/e-tjera/-mbyll-155-llogari-ruse-ne-internet-per%02dezinformimin-ne-tirane-i517028

Or. en

Amendment 269

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 c. Expresses deep concern over public statements and political initiatives recorded in 2025 that fuel narratives of a “Greater Albania”; stresses that such positions undermine regional stability and run counter to the fundamental principles of the European Union; calls on the Albanian authorities to clearly distance themselves from any form of such rhetoric and to promote respect for the territorial integrity of all states in the region.

Or. en

Amendment 270

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20c. Urges Albania to promote projects aimed at improving military mobility;

Or. fi

Amendment 271

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Ivaylo Valchev, Patryk Jaki, Rihards Kols, Georgiana Teodorescu, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 d. Welcomes the 2023 agreement with Italy on the management of migration flows, signed with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which provides for the establishment of migrant reception facilities in Albania under Italian administration, as an example of cooperation with third countries to address illegal migration.

Or. en

Amendment 272

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20d. Welcomes Albania’s active participation in NATO operations and activities;

Or. fi

Amendment 273

Geadis Geadi, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Patryk Jaki, Ivaylo Valchev, Rihards Kols, Georgiana Teodorescu, Nora Junco García, Diego Solier

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 e (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 e. stresses that the effective management of migratory flows and the fight against migrant smuggling networks constitute key prerequisites for Albania’s progress in the accession process; calls on the Albanian authorities to strengthen border controls and enhance cooperation with the European Union;

Or. en

Amendment 274

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 e (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20e. Welcomes the fact that Albania has increased its defence spending; urges Albania to continue and step up its efforts to develop its defence capabilities;

Or. fi

Amendment 275

Ilaria Salis

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21. Underlines the importance of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation as essential components of the enlargement process and welcomes Albania’s active participation in regional initiatives; underlines, however, in this context, that such cooperation must under no circumstances be used by EU Member States to compel Albania, as any other Candidate Country, to undertake measures that would contradict EU law; highlights that cooperation cannot be a vehicle for circumventing EU obligations or undermining fundamental rights, as illustrated by recent ECJ judgements in connection with the Italy-Albania Memorandum of Understanding5a; recalls, in relation to this matter, the concerns expressed by the Court of Appeal of Rome6a regarding the current use of the Gjader centre as a full-fledged pre-removal detention centre (“Centro di permanenza per i rimpatri”), which appears to be in violation of Article 9(1) of Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection.

__________________

5a On 1 August 2025, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued a landmark ruling in joined cases C-758/24 (Alace) and C-759/24 (Canpelli).

6a Causa C-707/25, Sidilli: Domanda di pronuncia pregiudiziale proposta dalla Corte d’appello di Roma (Italia) il 6 novembre 2025 – Questura di Roma / JA (http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/160/oj); Causa C-706/25, Comeri: Domanda di pronuncia pregiudiziale proposta dalla Corte d’appello di Roma (Italia) il 6 novembre 2025 – Questura di Roma / SG (http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/159/oj).

Or. en

Amendment 276

Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone, Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21. Underlines the importance of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation as essential components of the enlargement process and welcomes Albania’s active participation in regional initiatives, welcome, in this aspect, the asylum agreement signed with Italy on November 6, 2023 and ratified by the Albanian parliament on February 22, 2024, as a valuable tool to help manage migration flows into the EU;

Or. en

Amendment 277

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21. Underlines the importance of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation as essential components of the enlargement process and welcomes Albania’s active participation in regional initiatives; underlines the need for deeper security cooperation within the Western Balkans, fostering closer coordination among regional partners to combat organised crime, cyber threats, and hybrid challenges;

Or. en

Amendment 278

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21. Underlines the importance of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation as essential components of the enlargement process; Notes the Albanian Government's stated commitment to good neighbourly relations, while expressing concern over rhetoric by the Rama government that fuels anti-Greek sentiment and undermines bilateral relations.

Or. en

Amendment 279

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21 a. Recognizes the strategic importance of the Adriatic- Ionian region for European security and economic stability; calls on Albania to enhance its maritime security capabilities in coordination with the EU and NATO, including strengthening naval infrustructure, improving surveillance systems, and intensifying efforts to combat illicit activities such as smuggling and human trafficking in the Adriatic and Ioanian seas; encourages deeper cooperation within EU coastal states to ensure the protection of critical maritime routes and environmental sustainability in the region.

Or. en

Amendment 280

Alberico Gambino, Chiara Gemma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21a. Highlights the importance of stepping up cooperation between the EU and Albania in managing irregular migration along the Western Balkans route; commends the Albanian authorities’ efforts at tightening border management and tackling migrant smuggling networks, and calls for further operational cooperation with EU agencies, in particular Frontex.

Or. it

Amendment 281

Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21 a. Reiterates the importance of Albania’s continued alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy; stresses that participation in international initiatives and organisations should remain consistent with EU values, regional stability and Albania’s European integration objectives; emphasises the importance of transparency and appropriate parliamentary scrutiny in decisions related to international commitments;

Or. en

Amendment 282

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21a. Recalls that decisive and sustained efforts are needed to strengthen reconciliation and regional stability, by combating stereotypes, discouraging inflammatory rhetoric and rejecting historical inaccuracies, and by finding and implementing inclusive solutions, in line with international law and established principles;

Or. el

Amendment 283

Ivaylo Valchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21 a. Commends Albania for maintaining complete alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy; recalls Albania has kept 100% alignment since 2012; commends Albania for fully aligning with the EU sanctions regime against Russia and Belarus following Russia's attack and war of agression against Ukraine;

Or. en

Amendment 284

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21 a. Raises serious concerns about a new generation of security risks with implications for the EU linked to potential misuse of citizens' data, weakened national cyber-defence capacity and deficiencies in the management of the critical digital infrastructure;

Or. en

Amendment 285

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21 a. Reiterates the call for genuine reforms to address the substantial shortcomings that persist in the ‘fundamentals’; calls for the rights of the Greek ethnic minority in Northern Epirus to be fully respected and protected.

Or. en

Amendment 286

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21 a. Warns that initiatives developed outside the EU framework, including the so-called “Open Balkan” initiative, risk creating parallel structures that could undermine the Berlin Process and the EU’s Common Regional Market;

Or. en

Amendment 287

Kinga Gál

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21 a. Recognizes Albania's key role in the fight against illegal migration along the Western Balkans route, notably through combating human smuggling networks and the prevention of unlawful crossings.

Or. en

Amendment 288

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21a. Emphasises that candidate countries must first and foremost be able to carry out the necessary reforms to prepare for EU accession on their own, without EU support;

Or. fi

Amendment 289

Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Geadis Geadi

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21 b. Recalls that decisive and continued efforts are required to foster reconciliation and regional stability by working, including in joint efforts, to fight against stereotypes, like hellenophobia, discourage inflammatory rhetoric and dismiss historical inaccuracies, as well as to find and to implement inclusive solutions, in line with international law;

Or. en

Amendment 290

Alberico Gambino, Chiara Gemma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21b. Calls for tougher efforts to bring down the organised crime networks involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking along the Western Balkan route, and encourages Albania to further deepen its cooperation with Europol and the EU Member States.

Or. it

Amendment 291

Vangelis Meimarakis, Fredis Beleris

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22. Welcomes EU financial and technical assistance to Albania under IPA III and the Reform and Growth Facility, and stresses that such support must remain firmly linked to concrete reform implementation, measurable results and a transparent use of funds; is concerned that, despite the conclusions of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) regarding the serious mismanagement of European funds, the control and management systems have not yet been improved, thus continuing to deprive Albania of the disbursement of funds from the rural development fund under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPARD III), in line with the relevant decision of the European Commission, and calls for the immediate implementation of the necessary corrective measures;

Or. el

Amendment 292

Andreas Schieder, Adnan Dibrani, Tonino Picula, Matjaž Nemec, Thijs Reuten, Marco Tarquinio

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22. Welcomes EU financial and technical assistance to Albania under IPA III and the Reform and Growth Facility, and stresses that such support must remain firmly linked to concrete reform implementation and measurable results; welcomes the European Peace Facility bilateral assistance measures in support of Albanian armed forces which enhance Albania’s potential to contribute to EU CSDP missions and operations.

Or. en

Amendment 293

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22. Welcomes EU financial and technical assistance to Albania under IPA III and the Reform and Growth Facility, and stresses that such support must remain firmly linked to concrete reform implementation and measurable results; calls for strengthened EU support for regional security initiatives that enhance stability and resilience across the Western Balkans;

Or. en

Amendment 294

Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone, Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22. Notes EU financial and technical assistance to Albania under IPA III and the Reform and Growth Facility, and stresses that such support must remain firmly linked to concrete reform implementation and measurable results;

Or. en

Amendment 295

Sebastian Tynkkynen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22. Notes the EU financial and technical assistance to Albania under IPA III and the Reform and Growth Facility, and stresses that such support must remain firmly linked to concrete reform implementation and measurable results;

Or. fi

Amendment 296

Alexander Sell

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 a. welcomes the bilateral cooperation between Italy and Albania in the field of migration management, including the establishment of facilities aimed at improving return and remigration procedures, and considers this initiative a pragmatic model that could contribute to addressing irregular migration at European level; invites Member States and EU institutions to evaluate such cooperative arrangements constructively rather than obstruct them through political or judicial means;

Or. en

Amendment 297

Christophe Gomart

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22a. Believes that enlargement is not, in itself, the most appropriate response to Albania’s political, economic and institutional challenges; considers that a strengthened and strictly conditional partnership, focused on security, justice, the fight against corruption, the fight against organised crime and gradual economic integration, would be better suited to the interests of both the EU and Albania;

Or. fr

Amendment 298

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 a. Expresses concern over the serious irregularities identified by OLAF in the implementation of the IPARD II programme in Albania; underlines the importance of ensuring full transparency, accountability and effective control mechanisms in the use of EU financial assistance, in order to safeguard the Union’s financial interests and maintain public trust;

Or. en

Amendment 299

Andreas Schieder, Adnan Dibrani, Tonino Picula, Matjaž Nemec, Thijs Reuten, Marco Tarquinio

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 a. Calls on the Commission to continue providing clear guidance on reform priorities and to ensure transparent and rigorous monitoring of the reform progress; calls on the Commission furthermore to set up an information campaign in all Member States and in Albania to explain the positive impact of enlargement to citizens;

Or. en

Amendment 300

Tineke Strik

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 a. Calls for strengthened oversight and meaningful participation of civil society organisations, business associations and social partners in all stages of the Western Balkans Reform and Growth Facility, including the design of reform measures, implementation of projects and monitoring of results;

Or. en

Amendment 301

Stanislav Stoyanov

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 a. Acknowledges that the EU is the largest provider of financial assistance to Albania and therefore the pre-accession funds must deliver the best value for the EU taxpayers’ money; highlights that corruption impedes the sound financial management and accountability of these funds;

Or. en

Amendment 302

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marjan Šarec, Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Lucia Yar

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 a. Calls on the EU to provide additional financial and technical assistance to Albania, to support sustainable rural development and reduce the urban-rural divide in line with EU cohesion policies;

Or. en

Amendment 303

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 b. Encourages the European Commission, together with the European External Action Service to further help boost Albania’s resilience against hybrid threats, in the area of cyber security, information manipulation and protection of critical infrastructures; stresses the need to improve coordination and address disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the EU perspective by more strategically underscoring the EU’s relevance to people in the Western Balkans;

Or. en

Amendment 304

Andreas Schieder, Adnan Dibrani, Tonino Picula, Matjaž Nemec, Thijs Reuten, Marco Tarquinio

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 b. Reaffirms that Albania’s advancement towards EU membership must remain strictly merit-based, reversible in case of backsliding and focused on the fundamentals of the accession process;

Or. en

Amendment 305

Andreas Schieder, Adnan Dibrani, Tonino Picula, Matjaž Nemec, Thijs Reuten, Marco Tarquinio

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 c. Welcomes the Commission proposal to open negotiations to extend the EU 'roam like at home' regime to the Western Balkans; calls for the swift conclusion of negotiations;

Or. en