The German Embassy reacted after today’s vote in the Albanian Parliament, where the request of the Special Prosecution (SPAK) to lift the immunity of MP Belinda Balluku was rejected.

According to the embassy, Albania’s progress toward the European Union remains closely linked to the effectiveness of justice in fighting corruption, adding that politics must guarantee this process.

“Regarding today’s decision of the Albanian Parliament on the lifting of immunity, the German Embassy declares:

Germany supports Albania’s integration process into the European Union in line with the wishes of the Albanian people.

A necessary condition for progress in this merit-based process is the effective prosecution of corruption, including in high-level cases. Our clear expectation is that in such cases criminal prosecution through the justice system can be carried out quickly and without obstacles. The Albanian political class is still required to guarantee this process,” the statement said.