In its recently adopted Annual Report on the Implementation of the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy, the European Parliament delivered a mixed message to Albania: a strong vote of confidence in the country’s ambition to join the European Union by 2027 tempered by a firm warning that deep political polarization and lingering issues in the rule of law could derail that goal.
The report, drafted by MEP David McAllister, recognizes Albania`s tangible progress in the EU accession process, notably the completion of the screening process and the opening of the first negotiating chapters in 2024. But behind the formal praise lies a deeper political signal: Albania is at a crossroads, and the coming years will test not only its institutional resilience but also the maturity of its democracy.
What the EU’s Message Really Means
At face value, the European Parliament’s support appears enthusiastic. Backing Albania’s 2027 target for EU membership suggests that Brussels sees real momentum. But in the language of EU diplomacy, words like “welcomes“; and “commends“; are often paired with “urges“; and “warns“; and this report is no exception. The core message is clear: Albania is making progress, but not fast enough, and not deeply enough – particularly in the foundational areas of rule of law, anti-corruption, and democratic pluralism. This reflects a broader EU concern that form must match substance. The process of alignment with the EU acquis is not just about checking boxes or adopting laws – it’s about genuine, irreversible transformation of institutions and political culture.
SPAK: A Bellwether for Reform Credibility
The European Parliament’s explicit defense of SPAK (the Special Anti-Corruption Structure) is significant. This is not just a routine mention of an institution. It’s a direct political signal that SPAK’s independence is being watched closely in Brussels. In recent years, SPAK has become a symbol of Albania’s fight against corruption and organized crime, a central benchmark in the eyes of the EU. Any attempt, perceived or real to politicize or weaken SPAK could have serious consequences for the pace of accession negotiations. In that sense, SPAK is more than an institution – it is a test of credibility. How Albania protects it will be a litmus test for Brussels on whether the country is truly committed to European values.
Political Polarization: The Achilles’ Heel
The report also shines a spotlight on Albania’s deeply divided political landscape,
stressing the need for a “competitive opposition” and a “constructive dialogue“ between the majority and minority. This emphasis reveals EU concerns not only about governance but about the very health of Albania’s democracy.
An opposition that boycotts institutions or refuses to engage in constructive debate weakens democratic processes. Likewise, a dominant ruling majority that side-lines dissent only reinforces the EU’s long-standing fears of authoritarian drift in the region. For Albania, this means that EU integration is no longer just a matter of state-level reforms – it’s also about fixing the culture of zero-sum politics.
What’s at Stake: A European Future or Stalled Momentum?
With parliamentary elections on the horizon, Albania faces a crucial test. The European Parliament`s report is, in effect, a roadmap – and a warning. If political forces continue to prioritize short-term gains over long-term national interests, the country risks stalling its EU journey. Conversely, if Albania can demonstrate a genuine commitment to judicial reform, protect institutional independence, and foster democratic consensus, it will be better positioned than ever to achieve the long- awaited goal of membership.
The report’s overall tone may be cautiously optimistic, but the subtext is urgent: The window of opportunity is open – but not indefinitely. With geopolitical tensions rising and EU enlargement gaining renewed strategic relevance, Albania has a rare moment to align internal transformation with external support. But the pace of change must accelerate. The EU is watching not just what Albania promises, but how it delivers. The next two years will define whether 2027 is a realistic milestone—or another missed opportunity.
Written by our correspondent A.T.
