The Committee for Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament has approved the resolution for Albania for EU integration, calling it an important geopolitical ally and reliable partner.

The report was approved with 52 votes in favor, 5 against and 10 abstentions, but Albania still has to fulfill some conditions to join the EU.

MEPs recommend that the Albanian government cooperate with the opposition for EU reforms. But according to them, the membership criteria must be met before 2030.

“Decision-makers should work together towards meeting the membership criteria no later than 2030,” the report states.

Further, the Committee in the EP mentioned the need for sustainable structures against corruption, cybercrime, human trafficking and money laundering.

The report also demands that Albania guarantee media freedom, strengthen civil society, guarantee basic rights and the rights of minorities, including the LGBTI+ community, as well as strengthen its cooperation with EU institutions.

On the other hand, the reporter for Albania in the EP, Isabel Santos, said that our country is engaged in the implementation of reforms.

“Albania has demonstrated a deep commitment to the integration process, implementing difficult reforms. The result of today’s vote shows the recognition of these efforts by the European Parliament and the complete alignment of Albania with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU. It is the recognition of the merit shown by the country on its way to EU membership”, declared Santos.

Meanwhile, the report will be submitted for voting to the European Parliament as a whole in the plenary session, in June.