New regulations for organic products starting January
Starting from January 2025, Albanian growers of organic products will be required to adhere to new regulations that aim to align the sector’s standards to those of the EU.
The government has approved a draft law that seeks to regulate the certification of organic growers and their products, the use of labels and advertising, and the rules for official control at every stage of production.
Current practices in the organic product sector have revealed abuses. Some local products marketed as organic are, in reality, grown using pesticides at levels far exceeding acceptable standards. The new law addresses these issues by establishing clear guidelines for certification and control. It includes the approval of lists of plant protection products and fertilizers that are allowed in organic agriculture. Furthermore, it makes the publication of these lists obligatory. Additionally, the law provides for the creation of an electronic system managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to oversee these regulations.
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Editorial note: The opposition’s protest that wasn’t
Published on December 23, 2024
Parliament Leaders’ Conference rejects opposition’s request on Inquiry into Durrës Port Project
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The opposition’s requested inquiry would have lasted six months, overlapping with the critical pre-election period. During election seasons, Parliament’s activities, including those of inquiry committees, are limited, making the establishment of such a committee practically unfeasible. The Democratic Party has a history of opposing projects proposed and implemented by their Socialist rivals for political gain. When in power, the Berisha government halted several projects initiated by the Municipality of Tirana, then led by Edi Rama, even demolishing some under construction on questionable grounds without awaiting court rulings. In opposition, the Democrats have continued this pattern, at times organizing protests—some of which turned violent—against projects that later proved to be highly popular and contributed significantly to the Socialists’ electoral successes.
SPAK reclassifies charges against former Minister Ilir Beqaj in sterilization concession case
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The decision marks a significant escalation in the case, as the charges now carry more severe penalties. Until now, Beqaj was accused solely of abuse of office, while his deputy faced charges of fraud, document forgery, and abuse of office. Businessman Ilir Rrapaj had been charged with fraud. The judge handling this case, previously gained attention when she accepted a request to lift house arrest for opposition leader Sali Berisha, whose own corruption case is set to begin soon. Berisha has credited his party for the new direction in the sterilization case, suggesting it influenced SPAK’s decision to strengthen the charges against the former Socialist minister.