A draft resolution of the European Parliament on Albania, drafted by MEP Andreas Schieder, on the Foreign Affairs Committee, links the credibility of the integration process to the real implementation of reforms, the fight against corruption at high levels and media freedom.
A draft resolution of the EU Parliament notes that the fight against high-level corruption and respect for the independence of the judiciary are key elements to show that Albania is truly committed to implementing the reforms required in the negotiation process with the European Union.
The draft resolution of 16 February on Albania, drafted by MEP Andreas Schieder, serves as Parliament's political response to the European Commission's 2025 enlargement report and takes stock of developments in democratic institutions, the rule of law, media freedom, fundamental rights, socio-economic reforms and the environment. The draft is subject to scrutiny in the EP before adoption.
In the chapter on the rule of law and anti-corruption, the draft underlines that “corruption remains a serious concern” and that Albania must demonstrate a track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, particularly with regard to “high-level corruption cases”.
The report links this requirement to public trust and the economic climate, insisting that corruption must be “addressed at all levels” to strengthen citizens’ trust in institutions and create a predictable business environment.
In the explanatory part, the author lists the consolidation of anti-corruption reforms as one of the main challenges remaining for the country, alongside strengthening the rule of law and overcoming polarization.
The proposals in the resolution come at a time when the parliamentary majority is in open conflict with the Prosecutor's Office and the Special Court following the security measures against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, also proposing legal changes that aim to provide protection to the government cabinet from suspension measures.
The draft report also devotes a separate paragraph to freedom of expression and the media, calling for further efforts to “protect freedom of expression and media pluralism.”
The text lists three concrete expectations: “greater transparency on potential conflicts of interest of media owners”, guarantees against political and economic pressure on journalists, and effective investigations of attacks and threats against media professionals.
In its general reasoning, the report places media freedom on the same page as anti-corruption, emphasizing that strengthening democratic institutions, judicial independence, and media freedom remain essential for the accession trajectory.
A significant part of the draft is devoted to electoral standards. The document cites the Commission’s assessment that the electoral framework is “broadly adequate” for competitive elections, but reiterates concerns about an uneven playing field, misuse of administrative resources, allegations of vote-buying, and pressure on voters.
The draft resolution calls on the majority and the opposition for a comprehensive and inclusive electoral reform, while demanding increased parliamentary control over the executive, greater transparency in legislative procedures, and more meaningful consultation with civil society organizations, social partners, and independent institutions.
In the chapter on the rule of law, the draft welcomes the continuation of judicial reform, including the vetting process for judges and prosecutors, linking it to increased accountability and integrity in the system. However, the report lists ongoing issues such as judicial efficiency, backlogs, consistency of judicial practice, and attempts at undue influence.
The resolution commends the country's rapid progress in the integration process, but warns that the real implementation of reforms, and not just the adoption of laws on paper, will be decisive for the credibility of the negotiations. /BIRN/
