The new rules, which took effect on September 1, require journalists attending hearings to leave their mobile phones and cameras outside the courtroom.

In a response to Top Channel TV, the EU delegation said it was aware of the court’s new internal regulations governing security, order and conduct, which take into account the court’s specific organisational, operational and security requirements.

“The EU stands ready to continue providing specialised expertise to both the judiciary and the media community, supporting efforts to find a fair balance between security measures and access to information and transparency of judicial proceedings, in line with European standards and principles,” the delegation said.

It added that it would continue to closely monitor the issue as part of Albania’s EU accession negotiations.

The new rules have also prompted concern among lawyers. Maksim Haxhia, head of Albania’s National Chamber of Advocacy, said an emergency meeting would be held in Tirana on Tuesday at noon to discuss restrictions that lawyers say are imposed by the new regulations.

The media community has also joined the debate. SafeJournalists has publicly called for the rules to be reviewed, saying some provisions could interfere with the work of journalists and media organisations covering court proceedings.

The regulations have sparked a broader debate over how to balance security requirements at the GJKKO with the right of lawyers, journalists and the public to access information and follow judicial proceedings.

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In a statement on social media, the EU Delegation said that “the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. It must be exercised responsibly, in full respect of the rule of law and the safety of all individuals.”

“In this context, the EU Delegation expresses concern over recent acts of violence in Tirana endangering human lives,” the Delegation added.

The EU Delegation calls upon political actors to exercise restraint.

“We support constructive engagement in view of the important reforms in Albania’s path towards the EU,” the Delegation concluded.

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According to the EU Delegation, the EU Directorate Generale for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) is in close contact with Albanian authorities and is sharing relevant information and imagery from the Copernicus satellite.

The Delegation stated that together with our Member States, the EU stands ready to support the Albanian people in coping with the extreme weather, including through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

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“Happy November 28, Albania! Happy Independence Day! The EU Delegation in Albania wishes you joyful celebrations,” the Delegation said in a social media post.

On November 28, 1912, Albania’s National Assembly in Vlora, led by Ismail Qemali, declared independence, ending nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule and paving the way for the creation of the modern Albanian state.

The historic act followed decades of political and military efforts to safeguard territorial integrity and national identity.

The declaration marked a watershed moment in Albania’s political and social development, placing the country among Europe’s free nations.

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First prize was awarded to Geri Emiri and Erjola Azizolli from Amfora.al. The second prize, awarded jointly, went to Vladimir Karaj and Edmond Hoxhaj, both from Reporter.al. The third prize was awarded to Erisa Kryeziu and Esmeralda Keta from Citizens.al.

“Congratulations to the winners of the EU Award for Investigative Journalism, organized in cooperation with Thomson Media,” the EU Delegation in Albania said in a statement.

EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, who attended the ceremony, praised the critical role investigative journalism plays in strengthening democracy and upholding the public interest.

“In Albania, investigative journalism continues to play a key role in promoting transparency and accountability,” said Gonzato. “We are fully aware of the challenges journalists face – from intimidation and economic pressure to concentrated media ownership.”

Gonzato reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting press freedom.

“The EU will continue to raise these concerns and support reforms that create a safer and fairer environment for journalists. At the same time, we will keep investing in independent journalism, fact-checking initiatives, and media literacy, because informed citizens are the best defense against disinformation and manipulation,” Ambassador Gonzato said.

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In a press statement, the EU Delegation said it was “shocked by the act of violence which resulted in the killing of Judge Astrit Kalaja and the wounding of two Albanian citizens.”

“We strongly condemn this criminal act. We express our deepest condolences to the family of Judge Kalaja,” EU Delegation said.

The Delegation underlined that “tragedy highlights the acute need for Albania to increase the safety of judges and prosecutors and to take all necessary measures to ensure security in courtrooms,” adding the EU stands firm in its support to consolidating the justice reform and to upholding the rule of law in the country.

Earlier today, Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot at the Tirana Court of Appeal for General Jurisdiction, resulting in his death. Two other individuals involved in the same court proceeding were also injured in the attack.

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The Entry/Exit System (EES) will gradually register data from travel documents, dates of entry and exit, and biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and facial images, for non-EU citizens traveling for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the 29 Schengen states, including Albanian travelers.

According to the announcement, no action is required prior to travel and there will be no additional fees. The system is designed to reduce waiting times at border checks and to simplify and automate border-crossing procedures.

The EES will also record refusals of entry where applicable. Travelers with biometric passports will be able to use self-service kiosks, under the supervision of border police, to submit their documents and biometric data.

The system will be rolled out gradually at border crossing points from October 12, 2025, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026.

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In a statement provided to the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), the EU Delegation emphasized that parliament must serve as a platform for constructive debate and the exchange of alternative views, particularly in the context of the country’s EU accession process.

“Parliament plays a crucial role in debating and adopting EU-related legislative reforms. These reforms should be evaluated for their impact and adopted through an inclusive and transparent process,” the Delegation told ATA.

It added that the debate on the government’s four-year agenda would have been “an important opportunity to discuss different perspectives and approaches to the shared goal of EU membership – a cross-party ambition.”

“It is regrettable that the Albanian public was denied of the opportunity to be properly informed about the government’s program and to hear elected representatives discuss its content, in line with legal provisions,” the Delegation stated.

The EU office in Tirana reaffirmed commitment to supporting the Albanian Parliament as an institution that upholds inclusive and open political dialogue.

“We believe that all political parties in Albania, as well as all sectors of society, will be willing and able to contribute to the country’s progress toward fulfilling EU membership criteria,” it concluded.

Yesterday’s parliamentary sitting lasted about 25 minutes and ended amid shouting and procedural disputes after a recording of a “virtual minister of state for Artificial Intelligence,” named Diella, was played while Rama was speaking. The new government passed with 82 votes amid opposition protests.

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The Delegation of the European Union to Albania said in a statement on Wednesday that “EU stands in solidarity with the courageous Albanian firefighters battling the flames across the country, and with the families who have seen their homes and livelihoods destroyed.”

“Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, European solidarity is on the ground: firefighting planes and helicopters from Croatia, Sweden, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia have fought side-by-side with Albanian crews,” the Delegation said in a social media post.

The EU Delegation called on Albanian citizens to follow guidance of local authorities and avoid any activities that could risk sparking new fires.

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In a social media post, the EU Office said the court had provided important clarifications on the constitution of the new parliament, KosovoPress reported.

The EU urged all parliamentary parties to abide by the ruling and swiftly secure the majority needed to elect the speaker and deputy speakers. “There is no more time to lose in a political stalemate,” the statement read.

Earlier today, the Constitutional Court ruled that the ninth legislature must be constituted within 30 days, the speaker must be elected through an open vote, and any sole candidacy for the post can be put to a vote only three times.

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