22/06/2026
Albania’s path to the European Union runs through the rule of law, democracy, fundamental rights, and compliance with the EU environmental acquis.
Recently, Albania reached an important milestone by meeting the interim rule of law benchmarks, allowing the country to advance to the next stage of the accession process.
At the same time, the European Parliament delivered another clear message.
In its latest resolution on Albania, the Parliament expressed serious concern over ongoing developments in the Vjosa–Narta Protected Area (Pishë-Poro-Nartë Protected Landscape), called for an immediate moratorium on new permitting procedures, construction works and development interventions within Protected Areas, and linked these concerns directly to the closing benchmarks of Chapter 27 (Environment and Climate Change).
The resolution further calls for the repeal of the 2024 amendments to the Law on Protected Areas, noting that these changes weaken environmental oversight and facilitate large-scale tourism developments within Protected Areas.
This is particularly significant because compliance with Chapter 27 is not optional.
The fulfilment of its closing benchmarks is a prerequisite for advancing towards EU membership. Failure to align national legislation, planning procedures and development practices with EU environmental law may delay progress in this chapter and raise additional concerns during future assessments of Albania’s accession process.
For 23 consecutive days, citizens across Albania and the Albanian diaspora have peacefully raised their voices in defence of Protected Areas, including Zvërnec, Vjosa–Narta, Divjakë–Karavasta, Butrint, the Albanian Alps, Karaburun–Sazan, Llogara, Lurë, Mali i Dajtit, Tomorr, Prespa, Shebenik and the Vjosa River, while calling for transparency, legal certainty, public participation, and respect for the rule of law.
This movement is not against Europe.
It is a demonstration that Albanian citizens expect their country to uphold the same environmental standards, democratic safeguards and legal principles that are required of every future Member State.
The European Parliament is not condemning these peaceful protests. On the contrary, it is amplifying concerns that citizens, scientists, environmental organisations and local communities have been raising for years, while reminding Albania of the obligations it must fulfil on its path towards EU membership.
A European Albania requires European standards.
Protected Areas deserve Protection, not Deregulation.
/2024
Video by Taulant Bino
