Bulgarian MEP originally from Korça, Andrey Kovatchev, has commented on the recent protests in Albania, emphasizing that the voice of citizens must be heard and that dialogue remains the best path to resolving disputes.

During a visit to Albania together with colleagues from the Bulgarian Parliament, Kovatchev stated that European institutions appreciate the progress made by the country on the path towards membership in the European Union.

"We are very pleased to be back in Albania. Next week in Strasbourg we will adopt the annual enlargement report for Albania in plenary session. We welcome the progress made by Albania and the fact that all Albanian parties support European integration. We hope that the next enlargement of the European Union will include Albania and Montenegro," he said.

Asked whether the mass protests could affect the country's European integration process, the MEP said that developments are being closely monitored, but that the solution must come from Albanian politics itself.

"We are monitoring every development very closely. This is an issue that is up to the political class in Albania to resolve, respecting all standards and legislation, especially those related to the environment. These issues will also be reflected in the progress report," Kovatchev declared.

Speaking about the importance of protests in a democratic society, he emphasized that the expression of civic discontent is legitimate as long as it is conducted peacefully.

"It is good to hear the voice of the people, if everything is calm and peaceful. Our call for all parties, both those in power and in opposition, is to listen to each other and find the best solution for the citizens," he said.

According to the Bulgarian MEP, the main objective should remain Albania's membership in the European Union.

"For the citizens of Albania, the best thing is to join the European Union as soon as possible. Albania is a very good ally in NATO and we hope that it will soon become part of the European family," said Kovatchev.

Finally, he called on the Albanian government to listen to citizens' concerns and implement all legal and environmental standards, underlining that the European Parliament does not interfere in Albania's internal politics, but supports dialogue and cooperation between the majority and the opposition.