In rare step, EU Ambassador in Albania personally denies interference in ODIHR report

EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato has directly denied claims that the European Union influenced OSCE/ODIHR’s preliminary election report—calling the allegations entirely false and harmful. His statement marks an unusual public intervention aimed at discrediting a report by Syri.net, a media outlet close to Sali Berisha’s circle.

Why is this important: This is the first time the EU’s top diplomat in Albania has personally responded to a media story—signaling the seriousness of the allegation. The claim attempts to undermine the credibility of the international election monitoring process just days before a key vote.

Context: Speaking in Tirana, Ambassador Gonzato said he was “shocked” by the false report and felt compelled to speak out. “The EU, which I represent, does not interfere and does not manipulate,” he stated. “The idea that we pressured ODIHR to remove names is completely untrue.”

He emphasized that ODIHR’s work is fully independent and widely respected, including by political actors in Albania who understand the methodology behind its reports. “That’s why we are working closely with them and waiting for the final report,” he said.

What else: The EU Delegation in Tirana issued an official denial yesterday. Today’s personal statement from Gonzato underscores how seriously the EU views the accusations. He described the story as disinformation designed to erode trust in democratic institutions and reiterated that the EU’s role is to support, not interfere in, Albania’s electoral process.

“I took the rare step of publicly denying a media report because it was not only false—it was damaging,” Gonzato said.

Disinformation as political strategy: The original report by Syri.net claimed EU officials pushed ODIHR to remove the names of gang members, police chiefs, and officials allegedly involved in vote manipulation in Elbasan. The story fits a broader pattern of Berisha-aligned media attempting to discredit international actors ahead of the elections.

This week alone, a PD official had to walk back another false claim that Donald Trump Jr. canceled a dinner with PM Edi Rama and endorsed Berisha. That story was debunked directly by Trump Jr. and Special Envoy Richard Grenell.