Austrian MEP: “Law 21/2024 Contradicts European Standards”; Government Conduct an Obstacle to Accession, Has Insulted the EU

Austrian MEP Thomas Waitz said the Albanian government is ignoring the European Union’s requests regarding Law 21/2024. Speaking on the “Kafe Shqeto” program on Syri TV, Waitz warned that this behavior could become a serious obstacle to Albania’s EU accession process.

He stressed that the EU has made it clear to Tirana that Law 21/2024 is not in line with European standards and is hindering the fulfillment of Chapter 27 on the environment.

According to the MEP, the European Commission has repeatedly asked the Albanian government to review this law, but the responses so far have been unclear and have only delayed a solution to the problem.

Waitz emphasized that the EU is based on shared standards and laws, which must also be respected by countries seeking membership.

He warned that if the Albanian government continues to ignore the European Union’s concerns and does not change course, this could directly affect Albania’s path toward European integration.

Part of the interview:

Flavio Qarri: As for the Albanian government, does the fact that we see you in the square mean that, diplomatically and politically, the Albanian government has not acted reasonably toward the European Union’s requests?

Thomas Waitz: There have been concrete complaints from the European Union. We have made it clear that Law 21 of 2024, which changes nature protection, is not in line with the requirements for closing Chapter 27 on the environment. This is a step in the opposite direction from the objectives of the negotiations, because the European Union is built on shared standards and laws. The European Commission has repeatedly asked the Albanian government to review this law, but the government’s response has been, “maybe we will change it, maybe not.” This is seen as an attempt to buy time and even as an insult.

Flavio Qarri: What is your forecast? How will the European Union react, and could this protest affect its stance toward the Albanian government?

Thomas Waitz: I think the government still has the opportunity to understand that it cannot work against its own citizens. The pro-European path means respecting the rule of law and democratic procedures. From the European Union’s point of view, a moratorium should be imposed on construction in that area until everything is clarified. If the government continues to respond as it has so far, this could genuinely become an obstacle to Albania’s membership in the European Union.