The EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee highlighted the issues that continue to remain a test for Albanian institutions: the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, media freedom, and the implementation of recommendations from international partners. In the joint statement, emphasis is placed on SPAK’s results, but also on the need for that independence not to be politically undermined.
SPAK and justice at the center of the political message
According to the joint statement, committee members discussed the results achieved by the special anti-corruption structures, including SPAK, and called for the sustainability of their independence.
Along the same lines, the implementation of judicial reform was also addressed, with vacancies in the judicial system, the number of backlogged cases, and the need to avoid political interference in appointments and promotions mentioned as unresolved issues.
Messages for Parliament and the political class
The committee addressed the role of Parliament in the European Union accession process, presenting it as an irreplaceable link in the country’s negotiating path.
From the MEPs also came a direct push for the majority and the opposition to invest in cooperation and mutual trust on issues related to integration, a signal also read as a reflection of the continuing political tensions in Tirana.
EU reports and recommendations still on the table
The discussions, according to the official version, were based on the European Commission’s 2025 Report on Albania, the 2026 Rule of Law Report, the European Parliament resolution of June 17, 2026, as well as OSCE/ODIHR recommendations following the parliamentary elections.
The statement calls on Albanian institutions to implement these recommendations in order to maintain the pace of the accession process. It also highlighted Albania’s ambition to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027, a political objective that remains closely tied to concrete results on the ground.
Media, tourism and the environment among sensitive points
The committee also stressed the need to protect freedom of expression and media pluralism, including the protection of journalists from political and economic pressure. This remains one of the areas where international reports have consistently called for stronger standards.
The statement also mentioned the development of the tourism sector, also discussed during the visit to Vlora and Zvërnec, but with the reminder that Albania has obligations to align its environmental legislation with that of the EU, especially for protected areas with ecological sensitivity.
The committee also praised Albania’s alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy, as well as its engagement in regional cooperation initiatives.
The 23rd meeting of the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee is expected to take place at the European Parliament next spring.