The Green Group in the European Parliament has welcomed the broad majority approval of their amendment regarding the Vjosa-Narta protected area, describing it as a clear message in defense of the environment and against projects that, according to them, endanger Albania's most sensitive ecosystems.
Italian MEP Cristina Guarda has reacted to the protests in Albania, where citizens are revolting and demanding the removal of Prime Minister Rama.
In her message, the MEP calls Rama's 'bluff', while explaining that the vote was different from what Prime Minister Rama claims.
View this post on Instagram
"Our article on the Vjosa-Narta area was approved by a large majority, but Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama did not receive it well at all. As Greens, we have chosen to take a clear stance against actions in one of the most sensitive areas of Albania, the result of an exploitative tourism and development model that ignores the alarms of the scientific community and the demands of civil society, privileging the economic interests of a few. In the annual report on Albania that we voted on yesterday in Strasbourg, we recognized steps forward and an ever-increasing closeness between Albania and Europe, but it is not enough. There are still many aspects where we need to work in an integrated manner, and the peaceful protests of these days shed light on them because they show us a place where people commit themselves to the common good, overcome private interests and unite for democracy, to choose together for the fate of their territory, which is a political project," she says.
Green representatives declared through a video message on social media that they have chosen to openly position themselves against the interventions taking place in the Vjosa-Narta area, which they consider part of a tourist and economic development model that ignores the warnings of the scientific community, civil society organizations, and public interest.
MEP Guarda said that Albania faces many challenges related to press freedom, corruption, pressures on justice, minority rights and environmental protection. She also stressed that Prime Minister Rama must listen to the demands of the protesters.
According to them, the peaceful protests held in recent days show an active society, which mobilizes to protect common interests and territory.
The Greens praised the engagement of citizens who oppose projects which, according to them, favor narrow private interests to the detriment of the environment and local communities.
Their statement also listed a number of issues requiring improvement, including media freedom, the fight against corruption, the independence of the justice system, the protection of minority rights, and ensuring the highest standards of environmental protection.
The Green Group called on the Albanian authorities to immediately impose a moratorium on new authorizations, construction sites and projects affecting protected areas, until full guarantees are established for their preservation.
"We must stop this development model and listen to the demands of citizens who are protesting for the protection of the environment and territory," they said in their reaction after the vote in the European Parliament.
