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. In a post after participating in the interparliamentary meeting of the EU-Albania Delegation, she raised concerns about environmental protection and respect for European standards.
In a post published after the visit, Guarda said that during her stay in Albania she listened to the concerns of citizens and saw, according to her, a clash between economic interests and nature protection.
"I have heard the concerns of many people on the ground, and I have also seen the unacceptable attitude of those who, in politics, continue to put the protection of the environment and people in the background. Because for them, profit comes first," said the MEP.
She focused on the Vjosa-Nartë protected area, describing it as one of the most problematic cases, but emphasized that this is not the only issue that requires attention.
According to Guarda, Albania's integration into the European Union should be based on respect for European values, environmental protection, and the inclusion of citizens in decision-making processes.
"Albania's membership in the European Union must occur in the spirit of protecting these values, respect for the environment and community engagement," she declared.
The MEP also mentioned the principle of "no turning back" in environmental policies, according to which nature protection standards should not be weakened over time.
Cristina Guarda said she will continue to follow this process and inform about further developments.
"This (and not only this) is what I saw in Albania last week."
I shared my experience during the interparliamentary meeting of the EU-Albania Delegation.
I have heard the concerns of many people on the ground, and I have also seen the unacceptable attitude 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–Narta protected area is the very serious case 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 occur in the spirit of protecting these values, respect for the environment, and community engagement, guaranteeing citizen participation in decision-making.
It should also take into account the principle of "non-regression" in environmental protection, which means that environmental protection standards should not be weakened.
"I will continue to follow this process and keep you updated on developments," she declares.
