Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-000165/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Harald Vilimsky (PfE)
In the context of the EU accession negotiations with Albania, the serious shortcomings in the rule of law and the effect these will have on the enlargement process needs to be addressed. Investments have been made, including EUR 14.7 million from Austria in the EURALIUS project, yet the reform objectives have not been met. The fact that Irena Gojka was given a position in the anti-corruption court in spite of all the controversy evinces the conflicts of interest and shortcomings in the rule of law. Furthermore, a planned ban on TikTok threatens freedom of expression and is viewed as a form of censorship to suppress critics. Shortcomings in the rule of law and restrictions on freedom of expression thus continue to be a problem in Albania.
- 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of the effectiveness of Euralius-supported reforms in Albania’s judiciary, in particular as regards the independence, efficiency and accountability of the judiciary?
- 2.What is its view on the planned TikTok ban in Albania as a measure which, according to critics, is intended to restrict freedom of expression?
- 3.Does it think it is justifiable to open comprehensive accession negotiations when not only are significant reforms in Albania’s judiciary still pending but there is also considerable controversy around the choices made by the Albanian Government for key posts, and serious allegations of corruption persist and are virtually unresolved?
Submitted: 15.1.2025