In a social media post on Tuesday, Bardhi said Italy remains one of Albania’s strongest allies on its European path.

The opposition lawmakers reiterated the Democratic Party’s support for any process that brings Albania closer to the European Union.

“For us, European integration is not a political slogan, but a process that requires real commitment, deep reforms and sustainable democratic standards,” Bardhi said.

However, he added that “developments in Albania are moving in the opposite direction,” arguing that “propaganda is prevailing while democratic standards are being undermined.”

Bardhi alleged violations of human rights and said corruption remains widespread and politically protected by the governing majority, saying “this is harming Albania’s EU accession path.”

Bardhi stressed that Albania has the potential to do more, adding that citizens “deserve more” and that it is the responsibility of politicians to make this a reality.

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Tabaku is travelling alongside parliamentary group leader Gazment Bardhi and members of the parliamentary committee on human rights. The delegation is expected to meet senators and lawmakers in the Italian Senate and parliament, as well as political figures from Forza Italia and Fratelli d’Italia.

In a video message released ahead of meetings in Rome, Tabaku said the visit would focus on Albania’s EU accession process and Italy’s role as a key partner. She praised Rome’s continued support for Albania, adding that such backing also brings greater responsibility and the need for deeper cooperation.

She said discussions would cover human rights, fundamental freedoms, the role of the opposition in parliament and the fight against corruption, which she described as “the only path” to sustainable European Union integration.

The agenda also includes bilateral meetings with political partners, particularly representatives of Forza Italia, aimed at strengthening cooperation between right-wing political forces.

Tabaku said Italy remains a strategic partner for Albania, not only politically but also through strong people-to-people ties, citing the Albanian diaspora as one of the best examples of the values Albanians represent in Europe.

She concluded by saying cooperation between the two countries must deliver tangible results. “Cooperation with Italy needs concrete plans; it does not need propaganda,” she said.

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During the visit, Peleshi met with Lorenzo Fontana, President of Italy’s Chamber of Deputies.

Peleshi said Italy remains Albania’s strategic partner and one of its strongest allies on the path to EU membership. He said Albania is the fastest-moving EU candidate country, pursuing accession with determination and clarity, and stressed the leading role of parliament in the process.

Parliament Speaker added that Albania and Albanians contribute to stability, security and peace in the region, and welcomed Italy’s continued support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Peleshi reiterated that the European Union remains the sole strategic destination for the Western Balkans.

Fontana described Italy as a close friend and strategic partner of Albania, saying bilateral relations were at an excellent level.

He reaffirmed Italy’s strong political and technical backing for Albania’s swift accession to the EU, adding that the Chamber of Deputies would continue to support the process.

Fontana highlighted the importance of parliamentary cooperation in promoting cultural, educational, academic, tourism and defence ties, describing them as key pillars for Europe, the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

He also praised the Albanian community in Italy and reiterated Italy’s support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration as a contribution to regional stability.

The two sides reviewed progress in implementing the bilateral pensions agreement, under which about 3,500 applications have been filed to date, and underlined the strategic importance of Corridor VIII for connectivity, economic development, energy and security.

Both agreed to deepen parliamentary cooperation at all levels, including between committees and parliamentary friendship groups.

Peleshi was accompanied by lawmakers Ogerta Manastirliu, Ermal Elezi, Skënder Pashaj and Eriona Ismaili, members of the Albania-Italy parliamentary friendship group, as well as Albania’s ambassador to Italy, Anila Bitri.

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