FLASH
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Italian MEP Cristina Guarda has reacted after her visit to Albania, where she participated in the anti-government protest that has been taking place for 42 days in Tirana.
After staying in the country and participating in the interparliamentary meeting of the EU-Albania Delegation, the MEP raised concerns about the environmental situation, respect for European standards, and the way projects are being developed in protected areas.
In a response published on social media, Guarda said that during her visit she heard the concerns of citizens and saw up close a clash between economic interests and nature protection.
She focused particularly on the Vjosa-Nartë protected area, describing it as a very serious case, but emphasized that environmental issues in Albania are not limited to this area and require broader political reflection.
According to the Italian MEP, Albania's European path should be built on respecting the values of the European Union, protecting the environment and involving citizens in decision-making.
Guarda also stressed that the integration process must be accompanied by respect for the principle of "non-regression" in environmental protection and added that ecological standards must not be weakened.
Full reaction from MEP Cristina Guarda on Facebook:
This (and not only this) is the reality I saw in Albania last week.
I shared my experience during the interparliamentary meeting of the EU-Albania Delegation.
The concern of many people on the ground, but also the heavy-handed stance of those in politics who continue to put the protection of the environment and people on the back burner. Because for them, profit comes first, a model of economic development incompatible with the health of the territory.
The Vjosa-Nartë protected area is the very serious case that we focused on. But it is not the only one and can serve as an opportunity to reflect politically on European values.
Albania's membership in the European Union must take place in this spirit: in the protection of values, in respect for the environment, and in community activation, guaranteeing citizen participation in decision-making.
It must also take into account the principle of "non-regression" in environmental protection.
I will continue to follow and show you this process.
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