The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Albania, Marleen Monster, stated from Korça that the violence displayed during the protests in Albania has been worrying and has shocked the Dutch side. During a statement to the media, after a meeting with representatives of law enforcement bodies, with a focus on media freedom, the diplomat focused on the European Commission's assessment of Albania, the fight against corruption, the rule of law and civil protests.

Monster emphasized that the progress report highlights Albania's achievements, but also issues that require more attention and work, especially freedom of the media and expression. She underlined that protests are a fundamental right, while violence is unacceptable and has caused astonishment and shock.

Question: What is your opinion on the European Commission's assessment of media freedom?
Ambassador Marleen Monster: As you may have seen and heard about the progress report, it notes many positive notes on which Albania has made progress. However, at the same time, many issues are also highlighted that still require attention and work. One of them is the issue of media freedom and freedom of expression. This is one of the topics that we are here in Korça today, to see how media freedom can be addressed through the judicial system. Therefore, I am very pleased to be in Korça to discuss these issues.

Question: How do you see the fight against corruption and the fact that students and citizens are protesting against it?
Ambassador Marleen Monster: As you know, the Netherlands is one of the member states that has an approach focused on three main points: being strict, fair and engaged. One of the things we try to do is to continue to support Albania's path towards EU membership, through the opportunities we have available. This is what keeps us engaged on this issue.

Question: What can Albania do better for the rule of law?
Ambassador Marleen Monster: I think that Albania has already initiated a series of reforms, such as, for example, the justice reform, which has now reached a new phase, that of consolidation. I believe that this has to do not only with what is written on paper, but also with its implementation in practice and with standing by the commitments made within the framework of these reforms until the end.

Question: What is your message about the protests?
Ambassador Marleen Monster: The protests showed us that there is a kind of tension in Albanian society, because otherwise people would not have come out to protest. However, we stand by the opinion that protests are okay and constitute a fundamental right. But the violence is something that has shocked and surprised us.