EU Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee adopts Albania report, praises progress but flags political polarization

The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee adopted its 2025 report on Albania with 57 votes in favor, 11 against, and 6 abstentions. The report, authored by Austrian MEP Andreas Schieder, acknowledges Albania as a frontrunner in the EU enlargement process while urging both government and opposition to strengthen democratic dialogue and implement electoral reforms.

Why this is important: The report reaffirms Albania’s ambition to join the EU by 2030 and marks official recognition of the country’s progress in reforms. It also underscores concerns about political polarization, misuse of state resources in elections, and foreign malign influence—issues that could affect the pace of accession.

Context: Schieder praised Albania’s commitment to EU integration and noted its goal to complete negotiations by 2027 and join by 2030. He warned, however, that political tensions and weak institutional cooperation remain key challenges. “Albania is now a frontrunner in the enlargement process,” he said, “but the process of closing chapters will be the true test.”

Several MEPs echoed similar concerns. Michael Gahler pointed to irregularities during the May 11 elections, including alleged misuse of state funds, vote pressure on public workers, and pre-election financial handouts such as pensioner bonuses and fine amnesties. Still, he praised transparency in electoral administration and efforts by Albania’s anti-crime task force.

David McAllister, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, confirmed that Albania remains high on the EU agenda and proposed an official delegation visit in early 2026 to all enlargement countries—including Albania—after the new Albanian parliament is constituted.

What happened: The report emphasizes the need for a cross-party electoral reform aligned with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations. It praises SPAK and new judicial institutions for their work against corruption and calls for more inclusive political dialogue. Foreign interference, particularly from actors linked to the Kremlin, is cited as a growing threat to Albania’s democracy and EU ambitions.

On the domestic front, the ruling Socialist Party hailed the report. Speaker of Parliament Elisa Spiropali said it “reconfirms our rapid progress,” while Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Taulant Balla thanked Schieder and quoted his remark that Albania is now the “top favorite” among EU candidate countries.

In contrast, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha labeled the report a “condemnation” of Prime Minister Edi Rama, calling it “a Waterloo” moment. He praised the committee chair’s proposal to visit Albania in 2026 as a potential fact-finding mission, similar to one already approved by the European People’s Party.

Berisha linked this latest visit to Brussels with his broader campaign to challenge the legitimacy of the May 11 elections. He accused the Albanian government of trying to influence the OSCE/ODIHR’s final election report and said his meetings in Brussels successfully raised alarm about what he called Albania’s “democratic emergency.”

What’s next: The report will move to a full vote in the European Parliament. Meanwhile, both domestic parties face mounting pressure to act on electoral reforms and reduce political confrontation. The European Commission is expected to open the final negotiating chapters with Albania later this month.