Albania-EU Stabilisation and Association meeting / EC official: Albania must keep its word on revising the strategic investments law

Clive Rumbold from the Western Balkans enlargement division at the European Commission spoke about the mass protests that have gripped the country for 38 days. Speaking at the Albania-EU Stabilisation and Association meeting in Strasbourg, he said that citizens are exercising their right to assemble and express themselves. Rumbold stressed that these developments are being closely monitored by the EU.

“We encourage everyone involved to remain calm and for the others to ensure a peaceful protest held in safe conditions. They are exercising their right to assemble and express themselves and must do so peacefully in accordance with the law.

This is important for Albania to continue upholding democratic standards and thus to continue on its European path. We are following these developments closely. Our delegation has been active on the ground since the start of the protest, organizing visits and observing the situation,” he said.

Clive Rumbold also had a specific request for the Albanian government. He said that the fight against corruption lies at the heart of EU enlargement and that the work done so far must continue in Albania. Rumbold stressed that Albania must keep its word on revising the strategic investments law by the end of the year.

“We have learned that there is an active SPAK investigation regarding properties in Zvërnec. Let me say that the fight against corruption is at the heart of EU enlargement and that the work done so far must continue in Albania. We hope a full environmental impact study will be carried out to the highest standards. We hope Albania will keep its word on revising the strategic investments law by the end of the year. Dialogue among all actors is the path that should be followed,” he said.

The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, declared that Albania is at a decisive moment on its path toward EU membership. According to him, the country is awaiting the green light for the closure of three more chapters, which will follow from the Albania-EU intergovernmental meeting.

“Albania is at a decisive moment on the path toward membership. We are awaiting the green light for the closure of three more chapters, which will follow from the Albania-EU intergovernmental meeting. Disinformation replaces debate with manipulation, facts with lies and trust with doubt. The fight against disinformation is the defense of truth, freedom and democracy itself. Europe is not only a destination but a transformation of the country,” Balla said.

On the other hand, the head of the Democratic Party parliamentary group, Gazment Bardhi, raised concerns that parliament is not considering requests submitted by opposition MPs. During his remarks, he said the opposition has requested 11 interpellations with Rama. He added that none of them has taken place because the prime minister refuses to be held accountable for decisions bearing his signature.

“Parliament does not consider the initiatives of opposition MPs. Parliament does not oversee the government. During this session, the opposition has requested 11 interpellations with Rama, and none of them has taken place because the prime minister refuses to be held accountable for decisions bearing his signature,” Bardhi said.