Italian MEP Cristina Guarda, part of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Albania, has reacted to the statements of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Rama has previously accused MEPs who have expressed support for the protest of being guided by personal interests and agendas.
Through its response, Guarda refutes these claims, emphasizing that the MEPs' engagement is related to Albania's membership in the EU, which prioritizes the rights of Albanian citizens, and not the whims of those who invest, buy and speculate.
The Italian MEP emphasizes that she has written a letter to the European Commission, to highlight all the problematic points and to build a membership process that is at the service of the people. According to her, the current Albanian law, 21/2024, is contrary to European legislation and to make it compatible must be annulled.
Finally, she says that many Albanians still do not have secure property titles and the process of returning and compensating for properties confiscated during the communist regime has not yet been completed.
"Edi Rama, here is our public agenda. We are working towards a process of Albania's membership in the European Union that prioritizes the rights of Albanian citizens, and not the whims of those who invest, buy and speculate."
What we are seeing happening does not go in the direction of European law, but rather suppresses efforts for democratic participation, for grassroots activism to protect the environment and the well-being of all people living in Albania today, as well as those who will live in the years to come.
For this reason, we have written a letter to the European Commission, to highlight all the problematic points and to build together a membership process that will be at the service of the people, step by step.
The current Albanian law, 21/2024, is contrary to European legislation and to make it compatible it must be annulled, only in this way can coordination with European legislation be guaranteed and projects such as luxury resorts in protected areas cannot be even thought of and no longer proposed. Meanwhile, we continue to receive notices of works in the Vjosa-Narta area.
For this reason, we in the European Greens have written again to the European Commission. But the issue is not only about the environment, but also about the right to property. One of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the European Union. Many Albanians still do not have secure property titles and the process of returning and compensating for properties confiscated during the communist regime has not yet been completed", she says.
