Albania aims to complete the closure of the European Union negotiation chapters in 2027, but it still has important tasks to fulfill in order to achieve this objective, particularly in tackling corruption.
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Anton Hofreiter, chairman of the Committee on European Affairs in the German Bundestag, made this assessment during his visit to Tirana in an interview with DW. He stressed that SPAK must carry out its duties independently of politics, calling for there to be no interference, including through public statements. In his view, compliance with environmental standards is also part of the rule of law, and Albania should not give opponents of EU membership grounds to block the process.
DW: Albania has faced one of the largest protests in its history in defense of the environment. How do you assess this protest?
Anton Hofreiter: My view is clear. Albania, like the overwhelming majority of its citizens, wants to join the European Union. To enter the EU, a country must implement European laws, which are based above all on the rule of law. Environmental protection is also part of this principle. For this reason, my message is that the rule of law must be respected.
DW: What tangible changes does Germany expect from Albania before full membership in the European Union?
Anton Hofreiter: The main priority is to continue efforts to fight corruption. Freedom of expression, democracy and the rule of law are equally important. In addition, the country must fulfill technical obligations, including food safety, as well as other political issues related to the environment. Albania needs investment and has every right to attract investors, but every investment must comply with European legislation if the aim is EU membership.
DW: According to statistics, corruption continues to be a major problem in Albania. Could this affect the pace of the negotiations?
Anton Hofreiter: Corruption is a concern in many countries. In Albania, we have also seen investigations and cases at the highest levels, and this can be viewed as a positive development because it shows that no one is above the law. At the same time, we expect SPAK to be able to do its job and for politics not to exert any kind of influence, not even through statements. It must be clearly emphasized that the fight against corruption is among the most important issues for any country seeking membership in the European Union.
DW: How can Germany support Albania on its path toward the EU?
Anton Hofreiter: Germany strongly supports Albania, both in the areas of legislation and infrastructure, as well as through financial assistance and advice. The reason is that we want Albania to become part of the European Union. However, a great deal of work remains, and completing all the chapters by the end of next year would be a very ambitious objective. We will continue to help the country, but the government and parliament still have a great deal of work to do, both to adopt legislation and to implement it.
DW: You describe 2027 as a very ambitious deadline for closing the chapters. How achievable is this goal?
Anton Hofreiter: This objective is possible. But afterward, the ratification process will also have to take place, along with all the other issues related to this procedure. For this reason, the best course for politicians and for everyone who wants Albania to join the EU is to perform their duties as well as possible. Within the European Union, there are also people who do not support Albania’s membership, particularly right-wing populists. If they are not given arguments against this membership, then Albania’s friends, among whom I count myself, will have an easier time securing the majorities needed for the country to truly become part of the European Union. Therefore, my appeal to all politicians is to do their jobs as well as possible. This would create the opportunity for Albania to join the European Union.
