FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Protest over Zvërnec discussed in Strasbourg, EU demands respect for environmental standards
The EU-Albania Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee discussed the citizens' protests and the project in Zvërnec, while the progress of the accession negotiations was also addressed.
The citizens' protest against the project in Zvërnec and the developments related to it were among the main topics of the meeting of the EU-Albania Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee, held in Strasbourg. Representatives of European institutions stressed the importance of respecting the right to protest and the obligations that Albania has assumed within the framework of the accession negotiations.
On behalf of the European Commission, Sigrid Brettel from the Directorate for Enlargement stated that the protests should be held peacefully, while Albania should implement the commitments stemming from Chapter 27 on the Environment.
"It is essential to emphasize that freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental rights and core values of the European Union. Constructive dialogue between all stakeholders is the way forward. As previously explained, in the framework of the accession negotiations, Albania must meet the closing criteria set out in Chapter 27 on Environment, which requires the repeal of the 2024 amendments to the Law on Protected Areas, as well as the repeal of the Law on Strategic Investments ," said Brettel.
Clive Rumbold from the European External Action Service also expressed the same view, demanding that each project undergo a full environmental impact assessment and that the commitments made by Albania be respected.
"We expect the full environmental impact assessment to be carried out to the highest standards, as my colleague from the European Commission also stressed. Also, as underlined by him, we expect Albania to respect its previous commitment to repeal the 2015 Law on Strategic Investments by the end of this year. Constructive dialogue between all stakeholders involved is the way forward ," said Rumbold.
On the part of the majority, the chairman of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, stated that the project in Zvërnec has not yet been approved and that every step will be developed in accordance with European legislation and standards for environmental protection.
"The project does not involve the sale of public land, the project remains in the development phase and the final project has not yet been approved. Any future development will go through all environmental procedures required by law. The process will include public consultations and will guarantee transparency with the local community. The objective is to promote a sustainable tourism model that generates jobs, attracts investments and supports the development of the local economy; and at the same time preserves the natural values of the area ," said Balla.
The opposition, meanwhile, accused the government of its stance towards the protesters. Democratic Party MP Belind Këlliçi said that the protest is a civic reaction and not an action instigated by external factors.
"Know that this protest is not instigated by Moscow, Iran or any 'foreign enemy' as the Albanian government has attempted to portray it. It is a democratic, peaceful reaction that returns to fundamental Western values, precisely the kind of civic energy that the European Union must protect, with absolute determination. When the government in Tirana tries to criminalize the protest, it is our duty as representative deputies, but also of this joint forum, not to remain silent," declared Këlliçi.
The meeting also discussed the progress of the European integration process. Taulant Balla announced that Albania is expected to close negotiations on the first three chapters this week, which relate to foreign policy, scientific research, as well as education and culture.
Lini një Përgjigje