TIRANA, July 24 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the law on protected areas will be reviewed to ensure full alignment with European Union directives, while stressing that previous amendments were drafted in accordance with European standards.
Speaking at a meeting in Tirana with the parliamentary group and government cabinet, Rama said the government has expanded the surface area of protected zones, introduced additional protection categories, and shifted from a formal protection approach to a system focused on their active management.
“The 2024 amendments to the law have been repeatedly exploited as political ammunition by individuals pursuing their own agendas, including some members of the European Parliament who, at best, have not fully examined what was changed, and at worst, have sought to present themselves as victims of American imperialism.
These amendments were introduced in accordance with European directives. This is not a matter of my opinion versus that of those who disagree, but rather part of a negotiation process aimed at bringing the legislation into complete alignment with EU standards. This artificially created dispute will be addressed through the negotiations, where no measure can be adopted without the European Commission’s approval,” Rama said.
Rama also stressed that protecting biodiversity and natural areas has been a government priority, highlighting the expansion of protected areas and efforts to improve their management.
According to the Prime Minister, the debate surrounding the law is also linked to the gap between public expectations and the reality of developing natural and tourism areas.
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