PS deputy Bora Muzhaqi has described the European Commission’s progress report as the best Albania has ever received, praising the progress made in the European integration process. Muzhaqi said Albania has advanced in 20 chapters of negotiations for EU membership, and stressed that the country’s results have also been recognised by European partners. “This progress report, if read in its entirety, is the best report we have ever received as Albania. It clearly shows that we have done very good work and have advanced in 20 chapters of the EU integration and accession process”, she stated.
The deputy stressed that the report should be seen not only as a positive assessment, but also as a roadmap for the work that remains to be done. She acknowledged that the document highlights problems related to the functioning of democratic institutions, parliamentary oversight, media freedom, environmental protection and public consultation. “The progress report is not just a report card with good grades. There is always work and tasks that need to be done. For us it is a work manual, a guide to all the points we must fulfil”, she said.
Asked about the report’s criticisms of Albanian institutions, particularly regarding the separation of powers, inquiry committees and government accountability, Muzhaqi said the assessments should be read as a whole and not selectively. She acknowledged that Parliament must strengthen its oversight role over the government, stressing that the problems identified should not be used to deny the progress achieved.
“The role of Parliament must become stronger, especially in terms of oversight and accountability. The report does not deny the problems the country has, but problems cannot be used to deny all the documented progress. Albania has truly made a great advance. There is further work to do, there are 33 chapters, and there are concrete milestones that we must reach”, Muzhaqi said.