This statement was delivered today by Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, following a tense session of the Assembly. He noted that nine laws related to Albania’s EU accession negotiations were approved during the session.

Speaking to reporters, Balla emphasized that the parliamentary majority will continue to carry out the necessary reforms to align Albanian legislation with European standards, regardless of political clashes and the opposition’s attempts to obstruct parliamentary proceedings.

“One of the most important votes was on the new draft law for the Bank of Albania, which passed its first reading with 84 votes. Within three to four years, our central bank will be led by the governor of a central bank in a European Union member state. Just as counterparts at the central banks of Luxembourg, Romania, Italy, or France have specific rights and protections—or immunities, if you prefer—so should ours. I can assure you that every single article in this new Bank of Albania law has been fully approved by the European Commission,” said Balla.

Referring to the incidents in the Assembly, where opposition MPs blocked the podium and lit flares, Balla warned that disciplinary measures would be enforced. “They have effectively signed their own suspension,” he stated. Under Article 65 of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, anyone who lights flares—creating smoke that stops colleagues from breathing normally—faces a 60-day suspension.

According to Balla, the opposition’s behavior cannot stall the ongoing European integration process. The head of the Socialist parliamentary group also emphasized the importance of approving the review schedule for the 2027 draft budget. “Today, Albanians received the good news that, for the first time in our state’s history, our budget exceeds 10 billion euros,” Balla stated. He described the draft budget as socially focused, highlighting the fiscal package and the proposal to cut the VAT on food products from 20% to 6%. “We are returning 150 million euros directly to Albanian families and household budgets,” he declared. Balla also noted the removal of the circulation tax on diesel and gasoline, alongside increased support for pensioners.

He urged the opposition to join the debate and vote on the draft budget and fiscal package over the next 30 days.

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The discussion focused on Albania’s EU accession agenda and the importance of maintaining the momentum of the negotiations.

In a post on social media, Balla described the meeting as a fruitful conversation, highlighting the role of the Parliament of Albania in this process.

According to Balla, the Parliament plays a vital role in advancing reforms, aligning Albanian legislation with the European Union *acquis*, and strengthening Parliamentary oversight.

Balla also underscored that EU membership remains a national strategic objective, requiring sustained commitment, institutional responsibility and close cooperation with European partners. /k.s/j.p/r.e/p.s./

New restrictions will target small hotel shampoo bottles, restaurant food containers and supermarket fruit and vegetable packaging.

The Ministry of Environment has drafted a decision proposing changes to the use of single-use packaging, with measures taking effect beginning from February 12, 2028, and continuing through 2030.

According to the draft decision, starting February 12, 2028, food service businesses—excluding micro-enterprises—will be required to offer reusable packaging alternatives as part of a reuse system.

A year later, from February 12, 2029, customers will be permitted to use their own cups for coffee and other beverages. Establishments will be required to accept these, provided they meet hygiene standards, and may not charge higher prices for doing so. According to the draft decision, most of the restrictions are set to take effect on January 1, 2030. The measures will affect bars and restaurants, aiming to reduce the use of single-use plastic cups, plates, trays, and containers for food and drinks consumed on their premises, including outdoor areas.

The draft decision states that, “The rules will also extend to small-portion plastic packaging for sugar, sauces, condiments and coffee creamer, while providing for exceptions in certain cases, such as those involving specific hygiene or medical requirements.”

In the hospitality sector, the restrictions will cover single-use packaging for personal care products—such as shampoos, lotions and soaps—intended for a single stay.

The draft decision aims to align Albanian legislation with European Union regulations regarding packaging and packaging waste. /e.i/j.p/r.e/p.s./

The EU Delegation called on protesters to exercise restraint and refrain from any acts of violence.

“Violence has no place in a democracy. Freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights and core European values. They should be respected and exercised peacefully,” the EU statement reads.

The EU Delegation in Tirana also emphasized that constructive dialogue between all stakeholders is the only way forward to address genuine grievances.

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In her statement, the minister condemns the burning of businesses, institutions and trees, accusing the instigators of the violence of treating young people merely as tools for their own political battles.

“Today, businesses, institutions and trees were set ablaze by those by those who treat young people as mere cannon fodder,” stated Ismaili.

Minister Ismaili highlights a series of policies and investments demonstrating the country’s progress, ranging from the construction and renovation of schools to support for students, the funding of PhD studies, student loans and housing programs featuring low-interest loans.

Ismaili also highlighted pension increases, support for farmers and businesses, social security measures, internship programs and the development of tourism. “These things cannot be erased, forgotten or undone—neither by flames, nor by violence. They cannot be undone by destroyed buildings either,” the minister emphasized.

Furthermore, Ismaili considered the acts of violence as orchestrated attempts to undermine the peaceful nature of the protest and hinder dialogue with the students.

The minister concluded her remarks with the message that political clashes should not play out at the expense of students or the country’s European prospects.

“It is entirely understandable that out of desperation, you wish to spark a new cycle of violence in Albania each time a chapter with the EU closes. However, this must not come at the expense of our youth, nor at the cost of a European Albania,” the Minister of State for Relations with Parliament concluded her statement. /gj.m/r.e/p.s./

Joined by the negotiating team, PM Rama delivered a video message from Luxembourg following the 10th Albania–European Union Intergovernmental Conference, where Chapter 20, “Enterprise and Industrial Policy,” was closed.

“Here we are again. Yes, it’s us. Yes, we are here. Another chapter has been closed; we won’t let up until we bring Albania’s flag here and place it at the very forefront—because ‘Albania’ starts with an ‘A’ and it is the most beautiful flag in Europe. Those who stand by us simply help us get the job done faster. As for those who don’t—whether they want to or not—they too will rejoice when we finally raise Albania’s flag here,” Rama said.

By closing this latest chapter, Albania brings its total of provisionally closed chapters to four, keeping the country on track to finalize its EU accession negotiations by 2027.

Chapter 20 covers enterprise development, industrial policy, business support, innovation, and enhancing Albania’s economic competitiveness.

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During a meeting with Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, Ambassador Moreira de Sousa noted that the exchange of views focused on Albania’s EU accession process, the development of SMEs and attracting foreign direct investment.

“Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and improving the investment climate are key to Albania’s EU path,” the ambassador wrote in a statement published on social media.

She emphasized that proper consultation with businesses and other stakeholders remains key to advancing reforms and ensuring their effective implementation.

Ambassador Moreira de Sousa expressed her readiness to continue cooperation with Minister Ibrahimaj to advance reforms and improve the country’s business climate. /e.xh/r.e/a.f/p.s./

During the meeting, the minister stated that they talked on strengthening the rule of law and Albania’s path toward the European Union.

“The meeting focused on embedding justice reforms, fulfilling EU integration benchmarks and the Ministry of Justice’s guiding role in the process,” Gogu emphasized.

Gogu highlighted the government’s commitment to a more efficient justice system, stronger institutions and better protection of citizens’ rights. /p.s./

In a post on the X platform, FM Hoxha expressed Albania’s readiness to continue reforms and to work closely with member states and the European Commission on an ambitious yet realistic roadmap toward accession.

“Albania is ready. Not only to join the European Union but also to help shape its future,” he stated.

Hoxha emphasized that enlargement requires preparation from both sides—both the countries aspiring to join and the European Union itself.

“Enlargement is not just about candidate countries being ready to join; it is equally about the European Union being ready to welcome them,” the minister stated. According to him, for Albania, enlargement is a joint strategic project that strengthens democracy and improves the lives of Albanian citizens, while also contributing to Europe’s security, competitiveness and democratic stability.

In this context, the minister reaffirmed the commitment to implement reforms and support gradual integration through concrete, impactful steps.

Viewing enlargement as an essential part of Europe’s history and future, Hoxha emphasized that this process makes the continent stronger and more united.

“For a stronger Europe at home. A stronger Europe in the world,” Minister Hoxha concluded. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

Ibrahimaj attended the conference “Turn ESG into Business Value: From Commitment to Competitive Advantage,” organized in Tirana by the Albanian ESG Network, AmCham Albania and AmCham Kosovo, with the participation of representatives from the business community, financial institutions and international partners.

In her remarks, Ibrahimaj highlighted the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards for Albanian businesses as they move closer to the European Union. She emphasized that ESG is not solely about the environment, but also encompasses reporting, accounting and business practices; therefore, preparing for these requirements is an integral part of the process of integrating into the European market.

“A few years ago, ESG seemed somewhat distant—something that did not concern us, something far removed from the Albanian reality—but we are moving forward and we are moving towards the EU,” the minister stated.

Ibrahimaj announced that the government has begun work to support businesses in this process, not only through legislative alignment, but also through concrete programs involving companies. In this context, she announced the upcoming launch of a program involving United Nations agencies and other international partners, which will entail informing and training businesses, assessing their level of preparedness and determining the support they need to meet standards.

According to the minister, meeting standards should be viewed as more than just formal compliance with requirements, as it is directly linked to companies’ ability to compete and enter European markets.

A significant part of the support also relates to financing. The minister mentioned the “Double of the Business” program, which enables businesses to apply for loans with a 2% interest rate and 70% of the collateral covered by a sovereign guarantee.

Under this program, according to the minister, one of the goals is to finance the certifications that enable companies to meet the required standards. At the same time, the minister stated, the Albanian Development Bank is devising a new support and financing program to assist Albanian businesses in the process of integrating into the European market.

Emphasizing the need for a joint effort among the government, the business community and international partners, Minister Ibrahimaj also called upon companies with greater experience in this field to contribute by disseminating information and supporting businesses that are still in the early stages. /p.s./