MEPs call on Albania to accelerate reforms and strengthen democratic institutions

Accelerate rule of law, anti-corruption, and media freedom reforms

Address political polarisation and foreign malign influence

MEPs welcome Albania’s objective of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2027

The Foreign Affairs Committee has praised Albania’s steadfast commitment to EU accession in a report adopted on Wednesday.

MEPs highlight Albania’s broad political consensus and strong public support for joining the EU, alongside full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy, in a report adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee by 57 votes in favour and 11 against, with 6 abstentions.

Urgent need to deepen reforms

While welcoming Albania’s aim to complete accession talks by 2027 and the progress already made, MEPs stress the urgent need to intensify reforms. Key priorities include strengthening judicial independence, combating corruption and organised crime, and protecting fundamental rights. Enhancing media pluralism and transparency remains crucial to build public trust.

Political dialogue and countering external interference

The report notes ongoing political polarisation marked by confrontational rhetoric and calls for more constructive and inclusive political dialogue. MEPs express serious concern over malign foreign influence, particularly from Kremlin-linked sources, threatening Albania’s democratic institutions and EU membership ambitions. They call for greater institutional resilience to political funding abuses, media manipulation, and cyber threats.

Support through EU initiatives

MEPs welcome the new €922 million Reform and Growth Facility dedicated to the Western Balkans, which will support Albania’s Reform Agenda once conditions are met. The opening of the European Parliament’s antenna office in Tirana is seen as a vital step to strengthen ties between the EU, local institutions, and civil society partners from across the Western Balkans region.

Electoral process and justice reforms

The report reflects on the May 2025 parliamentary elections, describing them as competitive but conducted in a highly polarised environment, with concerns over the use of administrative resources. MEPs call on Albanian political parties to commit to comprehensive electoral reforms aligned with OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations.

Progress made with judicial reforms and investigations into high-level corruption are welcomed, although political interference remains a challenge. MEPs call for continued efforts to safeguard judicial independence and increase accountability.

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Rapporteur Andreas Schieder (S&D, AT) said: “Albania can proudly be called a 'front runner' among the EU accession candidates. In part because of the broad support from the Albanian population. But we are not at the finishing line yet. It is crucial to continue on this path with the same pace and dedication, fighting corruption and strengthening the rule of law. There needs to be a clear emphasis on broadening the economic model, creating jobs and improving the social welfare model, as well as on a comprehensive and inclusive electoral reform.”

Next steps

The report will be submitted for a vote in a future European Parliament plenary session.