TIRANA, Oct 28 /ATA/ – Albania’s European Union integration process must be more inclusive and produce genuine reforms rather than remain a closed political exercise, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Jorida Tabaku said on Tuesday.
Tabaku, co-chair of the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, told the body’s 20th meeting in Tirana that while Albania had formally opened negotiation chapters, the process lacked transparency and participation.
“On paper, Albania has opened chapters, but in reality, the process lacks broad discussion and inclusiveness,” she said. “Parliament, civil society, businesses and interest groups are not part of the dialogue.”
According to Tabaku, the EU accession process “has been wrapped in secrecy,” led only by a few government officials without real parliamentary oversight.
She stressed that EU integration cannot be reduced to statistics or chapter openings, but must bring tangible change through real reforms that improve citizens’ lives.
The opposition MP also criticized the functioning of parliament, saying the ruling majority had restricted the opposition’s role by refusing requests for debates and interpellations.
She argued that a successful EU integration process requires active involvement from parliament, business, civil society and the media, adding that the opposition remains committed to the country’s European path.
Tabaky concluded by stating that true integration requires inclusive dialogue, transparency and adherence to EU standards in every stage of the reform process.
/u.sh/
