2025 Commission report on Albania
The European Parliament adopted by 483 votes to 103, with 70 abstentions, a resolution on the 2025 Commission report on Albania.
Parliament welcomed Albania's outstanding commitment to EU integration, a commitment that enjoys consensus among all political parties and widespread public support. It also encouraged the country to maintain its current reform momentum and continue along the path of aligning with the EU acquis. It acknowledged Albania's ambition to conclude accession negotiations by the end of 2027 and welcomed the rapid progress made in this regard in recent years.
Members expressed concern about continued political polarisation and confrontational political discourse, which undermine parliamentary oversight, public trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions. They encouraged stronger parliamentary scrutiny of the executive, enhanced transparency in legislative procedures and more meaningful consultation, at an early stage, with civil society organisations, social partners and independent institutions.
Rule of law, judiciary and the fight against corruption
Parliament welcomed the continued implementation of the judicial reform process in Albania, stressing that preserving the independence of the judiciary remains essential to the rule of law. It commended the Albanian authorities for the ongoing improvements in the efficiency of the Constitutional Court but advocated for broader judicial governance bodies to be strengthened further, and for sustained investment in court infrastructure and digitalisation.
Members deplored that, according to Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, Albania has fallen to 91st place, compared to its 80th place in 2024. They insisted on the need to fight corruption at all levels and called for increased transparency, controls on conflicts of interest and targeted preventive measures in high-risk sectors, including public procurement and concessions, licensing and inspections, as well as construction and spatial planning.
The resolution also stressed the importance of effectively tackling organised crime, including money laundering and drug trafficking networks, and advocated enhanced cooperation with EU agencies such as Europol and Eurojust.
Fundamental rights and media freedom
Parliament welcomed the fact that, in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, Albania has moved from 99th place in 2024 to 80th in 2025. It advocated further efforts to protect freedom of expression and media pluralism in Albania.
Members also encouraged Albania to strengthen its institutional framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities and vulnerable groups, including Roma and Egyptians, persons with disabilities, migrant workers and LGBTIQ+ persons, as well as to ensure the effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation, improve access for ethnic and religious minorities and vulnerable groups to public services, and ensure their effective participation in social, economic and political life.
While welcoming Albania's adoption of the Gender Equality Law, Parliament is alarmed by the waves of disinformation and hatred directed against LGBTIQ persons. It called on the Albanian authorities to ensure that those who spread discriminatory rhetoric are held accountable before the law and to develop legal measures, such as registered partnerships.
Parliament is concerned that, in the global ranking published in the World Economic Forum's 2025 Gender Inequality Report, Albania has fallen from 23rd place in 2024 to 36th place in 2025, demonstrating a widening gender gap. It regretted that the legal framework for combating gender-based violence is not yet aligned with the Istanbul Convention.
The resolution further emphasised the importance of:
- continuing the progress made in the reform of the public administration to guarantee recruitment based on merit and the depoliticisation of the civil service;
- addressing persistent structural weaknesses, including informal business activities, limited productivity growth and a challenging business environment;
- improving transport infrastructure between the countries of the Western Balkans and to further develop rail and air links with the EU Member States;
- investing in education, skills development and innovation in order to support sustainable growth and social cohesion;
- developing and effectively implementing the framework relating to social housing in Albania.
Parliament welcomed Albania's continued full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. It also welcomed the financial and technical assistance provided by the EU to Albania under IPA III and the Reform and Growth Facility. It noted that this support must remain firmly linked to the effective implementation of reforms and measurable results.
Lastly, the EU is called on to provide additional financial and technical assistance to Albania, to support sustainable rural development and reduce the urban-rural divide, in line with EU cohesion policies.