The European Union has been in talks with Albania about joining since 2022. The negotiations, however, have been slow. While some progress has been made, major problems still exist. One of the biggest concerns is the country’s justice system. Austria’s right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ) has now raised serious doubts about Albania’s readiness to join the EU and has made an official request for answers.
Corruption and Legal Concerns
FPÖ National Council member Markus Tschank is worried about Albania’s legal system. He has asked Austria’s Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Constitutional Affairs to investigate. The concerns include corruption, political persecution, and a weak rule of law. The EU has already given Albania millions in aid to improve its judicial system. Austria alone has contributed 14.7 million euros to the EURALIUS project, which aims to strengthen Albania’s courts. Despite this funding, reforms have not taken effect.
A troubling case is that of Irena Gjoka, a judge appointed to fight corruption despite clear conflicts of interest. This raises serious questions about Albania’s judicial reforms. The FPÖ argues that if Albania wants to be part of the EU, it must meet certain legal and democratic standards. Austria, they insist, must ensure these conditions are met before supporting Albania’s membership.
TikTok Ban Raises Censorship Fears
Another major issue is the Albanian government’s plan to ban TikTok. Critics say this is a heavy-handed move to silence opposition voices. Journalists and citizens who criticize the government are under pressure, while allegations of corruption are often ignored.
Freedom of speech is a key value of the European Union. Countries that join must respect press freedom and democratic rights. The FPÖ argues that Albania’s TikTok ban shows a disregard for these principles. If a government silences dissent, it raises concerns about how it will behave as an EU member.
Will New Ministers Take Action?
FPÖ’s Markus Tschank is now looking to Austria’s new ministers for answers. He wants to know why Albania’s justice system remains untouched despite major concerns. New Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) and Constitutional Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) will have to respond.
Can a country with these problems become an EU member? The answer is unclear, but the FPÖ believes that Albania’s path to membership is shaky. If these accusations turn out to be true, Albania’s chances of joining the EU may be in serious trouble.
