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DRAFT REPORT (2025/2017(INI))

On the 2023 and 2024 Commission Reports on Albania

AFET-PR-769914

Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Andreas Schieder

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This draft report assesses Albania's EU accession progress, welcoming its commitment and urging reforms in rule of law, anti-corruption, media freedom, and fundamental rights. It notes progress in justice reforms and SPAK's work, but expresses concerns about political interference, media concentration, and gender-based violence. It calls for alignment with EU standards in various sectors, including environment, social protection, and data protection.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes a resolution welcoming Albania's progress and urging further reforms in key areas, while expressing concerns on specific issues.

Key points

  1. Welcomes Albania's EU integration commitment and full alignment with EU foreign policy, and its ambition to close negotiations by end of 2027.
  2. Urges Albania to accelerate reforms in rule of law, anti-corruption, organised crime, and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression.
  3. Welcomes the Reform and Growth Facility providing EUR 922 million in grants and loans to Albania, conditional on its Reform Agenda.
  4. Calls for constructive political dialogue, effective parliamentary oversight, and meaningful civil society participation to overcome polarisation.
  5. Notes electoral code amendments enabling diaspora voting and partially open lists, but insists on implementing OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations.
  6. Expresses concern about media independence and pluralism due to market concentration, lack of transparency, and intimidation; calls for alignment with EU media standards.
  7. Urges better support for victims of gender-based violence and alignment with the Istanbul Convention, noting high femicide rates.
  8. Welcomes progress in justice reforms and SPAK's work, but warns against political interference and underfunding of the judiciary.
  9. Calls for continued alignment with EU acquis on anti-money laundering and organised crime, including asset recovery and joint operations.
  10. Encourages reducing poverty and social exclusion through better access to services and implementation of national strategies.
  11. Calls for more efforts on environmental alignment, including impact assessment directives, and sustainable tourism, welcoming the Vjosa Wild River National Park.
  12. Welcomes the EU-Albania Security and Defence Partnership and Albania's good neighbourly relations.

Who is affected

  • Albanian government and parliament: must implement reforms in rule of law, anti-corruption, media, and fundamental rights.
  • Albanian citizens: benefit from EU integration, including SEPA membership and potential financial support.
  • Albanian media and journalists: face challenges of market concentration and intimidation; need stronger protections.
  • Victims of gender-based violence in Albania: need improved support services and legal alignment.
  • Albanian judiciary and SPAK: must be protected from political interference and adequately resourced.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 922 million in grants and loans to Albania under the Reform and Growth Facility.