MEPs welcome Albania’s steadfast commitment to EU integration, noting that it is a reflection of the consensus among political parties and the overwhelming support among citizens, in a report adopted on Tuesday.

Reliable foreign policy partner

Albania is a reliable foreign policy partner and remains an important geopolitical ally thanks to its efforts to advance regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, states the report.

MEPs welcome that the government has kept its focus on EU-related reforms, has reinforced its structure for coordinating European integration and the parliament’s role in the EU integration process by amending the relevant law, and urge decision-makers to work jointly towards meeting the membership criteria by no later than 2030.

Advance the EU reform agenda

MEPs urge the government to intensify its efforts to strengthen the functioning of the rule of law, the judiciary, and countering corruption and organised crime. It should ensure media freedom, empower civil society, guarantee fundamental rights and the rights of minorities including the LGBTI+ community, as well as strengthening its cooperation with the EU institutions. The report stresses that the government needs to advance the EU reform agenda further in cooperation with the opposition and all segments of society.

The report was adopted by 536 votes in favour, 54 against and 32 abstentions.

The rapporteur Isabel Santos (S&D, Portugal) said: “Albania has demonstrated a profound commitment to the integration process by implementing difficult reforms. The result of today’s vote demonstrates that the European Parliament recognises those efforts and that Albania is fully aligned with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. It acknowledges the merit demonstrated by the country in its path towards EU’s accession.”