The Political Assembly of the European People's Party (EPP) has approved the Resolution expressing its concerns regarding the current political situation in Albania ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections .
The Resolution emphasizes the links between drug trafficking and organized crime with the political elite and law enforcement officials, exploiting Albania's economy and political framework for money laundering.
The EPP Political Assembly expresses its concern about the failure to reach an agreement on the electoral reform, resulting in minimal progress in the implementation of the outstanding recommendations from the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission.
Among other things, the EPP asks the Assembly of Albania to intensify its efforts in supporting the Electoral Reform Commission.
The Resolution raises concerns about: " Any alleged political persecution of opposition leaders, MPs and local government officials, facing politically motivated restrictions on their civil rights".
"The European People's Party (EPP) asks the Albanian authorities to immediately implement the reforms required by the EU to protect human rights and ensure an independent and impartial judiciary, without political interference; free and fair elections constitute the basic pillar of democratic governance, seeking guarantees for the independence of the public administration from the ruling party" , the Resolution states.
The EPP will closely monitor developments in Albania, supporting its member parties in the upcoming elections and defending Albania's EU aspirations. The EPP reiterates its strong support for the European integration of Albania and the pursuit of the Albanian people for a free and democratic future.