Speaking in parliament during debate on government-backed amendments to the foreign service law, Vengu said Tirana had fully aligned its foreign and security policy with the European Union and met the benchmarks required to advance in negotiations.

“Within this year we will close the first clusters, primarily the one related to 100% alignment of foreign and security policy,” he told lawmakers, addressing opposition criticism.

Albania has for several years aligned itself with all EU foreign policy positions and contributes troops to EU missions, he said.

The European Commission considers Albania ready to close the foreign and security policy cluster as it has met the relevant standards, Vengu added.

Responding to opposition allegations of political protection in the case of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, Vengu said matters concerning constitutionality are handled through the courts “via legal procedures.”

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