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MEPs support the objective of concluding negotiations by 2027, but call for deeper reforms, strengthening SPAK and a ban on interventions in protected areas...
The European Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a report on Albania’s progress towards the European Union, calling the country one of the most advanced candidates for membership. However, MEPs warn that corruption, political polarization and weaknesses in the rule of law remain serious obstacles that could affect the pace of integration.
The report was adopted by 483 votes in favour, 103 against and 70 abstentions. It commends the reforms undertaken by Albania in recent years, particularly in the justice system, but stresses that full implementation of legislation and consolidation of institutions remain crucial for EU membership.
The European Parliament considers Albania's objective to close negotiations by the end of 2027 realistic, but underlines that the quality of reforms will determine the real deadline for accession to the European family.
One of the strongest messages of the report is related to corruption. MEPs express concern about Albania’s decline in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, from 80th place in 2024 to 91st place in 2025. According to the report, corruption continues to remain a serious problem, especially at the highest levels of administration and politics.
In this context, the European Parliament evaluates the work of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), requesting the guarantee of its independence, sufficient financial and operational resources, as well as the avoidance of any restrictions that may undermine the investigative powers of the institution.
The report also highlights that the Albanian judiciary has made significant progress thanks to the vetting process, but remains exposed to political pressures and inherited problems such as the high number of backlogged files, procedural delays and the not always effective implementation of judicial decisions.
A separate chapter is dedicated to environmental issues. An amendment proposed by Green MEPs calls for an immediate moratorium on permits and new construction in protected areas, until Albanian legislation is fully aligned with European Union standards. The document also calls for full environmental assessments and the transparent involvement of local communities, experts and civil society organisations.
The rapporteur for Albania in the European Parliament, Andreas Schieder, stated that the country remains at the top of the aspiring countries for EU membership. According to him, integration should not be measured only by economic criteria or the rule of law, but also by building a functional social system, respecting workers' rights and strengthening social protection mechanisms.
In addition to justice and the fight against corruption, MEPs urge Albania to accelerate the fight against organized crime, money laundering and drug trafficking, as well as to increase cooperation with European security agencies, Europol and Eurojust.
Among the positive assessments, the report mentions Albania's entry into the European SEPA payment system and the national anti-money laundering strategy, considering these steps as important for further approximation to European Union standards.
The overall message of the European Parliament is clear: Albania is moving rapidly towards EU membership, but the path remains conditioned by concrete results in the fight against corruption, strengthening the rule of law and guaranteeing independent institutions. /Pamphlet
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