Speaking during a parliamentary exchange with Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Tritan Shehu, Balla questioned whether the opposition would back draft laws linked to Albania’s EU integration process, stressing that the proposed legislation is fully aligned with the EU acquis communautaire.

He said the bills fulfil Albania’s obligations under the accession framework and argued that rejecting them would be unjustified given the country’s strategic commitment to EU membership.

He also criticised rhetoric from some opposition representatives towards international partners, calling attacks on EU officials and leaders of allied countries “unacceptable.”

Balla praised the support of international partners for Albania and said the country currently enjoys a high level of respect on the global stage, as well as full alignment of its foreign policy with that of the European Union.

He also noted that Albania will host a major international event next year, referring to a NATO summit.

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Rama spoke at a joint press conference in Tirana with EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, who handed him the European Commission’s 2025 progress report on Albania.

“We are the only country in the region using artificial intelligence for this process, and thanks to Diella we are transferring the entire body of EU law into Albania’s legal framework at very high speed,” Rama said, referring to the government’s AI tool.

He said the government was meeting all targets in the joint EU-Albania calendar and carefully addressing issues raised by the Commission.

Rama added that his administration aimed to make Albania a “proud member” of the EU before leaving office.

“The closer we are to the EU, the more space and care there will be for everyone,” he said, urging both supporters and critics to welcome the country’s progress.

The European Commission’s report, published on Tuesday, praised Albania for maintaining full alignment with EU foreign and security policy and noted steady progress towards accession. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos commended Tirana for advancing reforms in the negotiation process.

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