EU hails Albania’s May 11 elections as transparent and well-managed, urges need for reform over ongoing concerns

The European Union has welcomed Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections as calm, inclusive, and generally well-organized. In a joint statement, High Representative–Vice President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos congratulated Albanian authorities for successfully overseeing a key democratic exercise, which also marked the historic first participation of out-of-country voters.

Why this is important: The positive tone of the EU’s assessment reinforces international legitimacy for the election outcome and reflects confidence in Albania’s democratic institutions. The praise for smooth election day procedures and expanded voting access—particularly for the diaspora—strengthens Albania’s profile as a candidate country on the path to EU membership.

Context: Referring to the preliminary findings of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, the EU noted that the elections were conducted professionally and allowed candidates to campaign freely. The introduction of diaspora voting was described as a milestone in Albania’s democratic development, showing tangible progress in electoral inclusion.

The EU also acknowledged areas where further improvement is needed. These include ensuring a fully level playing field for all contestants, addressing concerns about pressure on public sector employees, and enhancing media pluralism. Nonetheless, the Union welcomed ongoing efforts to investigate electoral offenses and underscored the importance of continued institutional coordination.

“The elections were professionally conducted. Election day was calm and well-organized, and candidates were generally able to campaign freely,” the statement said, while noting that “coordinated efforts to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes are a welcome development.”

What else: The EU called on Albania’s political forces to maintain institutional stability and to uphold democratic standards during the post-election phase. It reaffirmed support for Albania’s EU integration, highlighting that continued electoral reform—particularly the implementation of ODIHR recommendations—is essential for further progress.

“We encourage Albania to continue pursuing all reforms required for its future accession to the EU,” the statement said, emphasizing that the process is a national strategic goal supported by citizens across the political spectrum.

The European Union concluded by urging constructive and inclusive political dialogue, noting that all political parties and sectors of society have a role in strengthening democratic governance and public trust.