The Ambassador of the European Delegation in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, delivered to Prime Minister Rama the progress report of the European Commission for Albania.

In a joint press conference with the head of the Albanian government, Gonzato said that the European Commission supports the ambitious objective of the Albanian government to conclude negotiations for EU membership in 2027.

Gonzato underlined that the achievement of this objective depends on the speed of reforms for the rule of law, the fight against crime and corruption, as well as the freedom of the media and the right to property in Albania.

“The commission sees an opportunity to accelerate Albania’s EU membership in the coming years. As President Von Der Leyen pointed out during the last visit, if the pace of reforms is accelerated, Albania can open all group-chapters by the end of 2025.

The communiqué published yesterday says that the Commission supports the opening of the 6th group-chapter for foreign relations. The Commission declares that it is ready to support the ambitious objective of the Albanian government to close the membership negotiations by the end of 2027. These ambitious deadlines can become a reality if the Albanian authorities intensify the pace of reforms directed by the EU, for the rule of law, consolidating the balance for the rule of law, the fight against crime and corruption, and the promotion and promotion of fundamental rights, including media freedom, property rights and minorities,” said Gonzato.

Gonzato in his speech positively evaluated the fight against corruption and organized crime carried out by SPAK (Special Prosecutor’s Office).

“There is an improvement in the fight against corruption, SPAK is doing a good job. The functioning of the judiciary has an important scope. The Commission notes progress in this area, especially regarding the vetting process. Some progress has been made in the fight against organized crime, thanks to SPAK, which has increased its capacity to strengthen the fight against money laundering and the confiscation of assets resulting from criminal activity.

Concerns remain regarding attempts to interfere and political pressure in the judicial system, as well as deficiencies regarding merit-based appointments of non-magistrate members to the The High Judicial Council and The High Council of Prosecution. The report provides recommendations to address these issues. Corruption remains a serious concern and SPAK has done a good job with concrete results,” he said.