Building a resilient society starts by catering for the most vulnerable. Today, we presented the findings of “Seniors in the Digital Age”, a study developed under the EU-funded project “The Golden Generation Facing Disinformation” implemented by @Faktoje_Albania. The study investigates how older adults in Albania consume information online, the challenges they face from #disinformation, and the growing need for digital and #MediaLiteracy skills. Through workshops, research and awareness-raising activities, the project engaged directly with hundreds of senior citizens to better understand their experiences and strengthen their resilience against online manipulation. 1/2

Safe food is fundamental to public health and consumer trust. On World Food Safety Day, the European Union, together with the Germany and Albania, launched the EU4Food Safety project. Implemented by GIZ, with a budget of EUR 13.5 million, the project will support Albania in aligning its food safety systems with EU standards. 1/2

We are proud to have supported 22 journalists and media professionals from across Albania to transform ideas into concrete projects. With their short movies, they have given voice to the most vulnerable people in the Albanian society. Kudos to Albanian Women in Audiovisual and SCiDEV for supporting them in every step of the production and strengthening independent voices. 1/2

A more performing School of Magistrates means a stronger justice system and a faster path toward European integration. Over the past two years, the Albanian School of Magistrates has benefited from a Twinning project supported by the European Union with experts from France, Italy, and the Netherlands. The initiative helped improve the quality of both initial and continuous training for judges and prosecutors, while also strengthening the system for entry examinations. 1/2

The fight against corruption and organised crime requires more than successful prosecutions, it requires lasting systemic change. Today, representatives of justice institutions, state authorities, civil society, and international partners discussed the performance of Albania’s specialised anti-corruption and anti-organised crime institutions, following a report on this topic presented by the Centre for the Study of Democracy and Governance. “Albania’s justice reform is delivering results in fighting corruption and organized crime, but this fight must be sustainable and irreversible. The path forward requires systematic and proactive financial investigations, swift asset confiscations, stronger digital evidence capabilities, protection of witnesses and whistleblowers, and a whole-of-society commitment to accountability,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.

The EU Delegation condemns in the strongest terms the overnight drone and missile attack on Kyiv by Russia, which claimed several victims and hit also the residence of the Albanian Ambassador to Ukraine, putting his life at risk. This reckless attack reminds us once more of the brutality of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and Albania.

Today, EU Delegation hosted a productive and frank discussion between the EU Member States’ Ambassadors and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha. They exchanged on the state of play in the accession negotiations and pressing topics such as the fight against corruption and organised crime, the environment, and the implementation of reforms. They also underscored the importance of ensuring broad public understanding and support for the enlargement process. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato emphasized that, to achieve its ambitious goal of closing accession negotiations by 2027, Albania must sustain and accelerate its reform momentum, whilst preserving the quality of reforms throughout the process. EU integration-related reforms must be well-prepared, thoroughly consulted with relevant stakeholders, and effectively implemented to bring tangible benefits to citizens’ daily lives. Dialogue with the EU Member States is also essential in the context of EU accession negotiations.

The European Commission has disbursed another €49 million to Albania under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The funding will support key reforms and investments linked to Albania’s EU integration process, economic growth, infrastructure and governance reforms. More info: eeas.europa.eu/delegations/a… #EUGrowthPlan #EUinAlbania

LGBTIQ rights are human rights, and advancing equality requires continued dialogue, stronger protections, and concrete action. A roundtable in Tirana brought together institutions, civil society, and international partners to discuss the implementation of the 2021–2027 National Action Plan for LGBTIQ persons. The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all. 1/2

Today, on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, we reaffirm that equality, dignity and inclusion are fundamental rights that every person should enjoy without fear of discrimination or exclusion. Building a society where everyone is treated with respect strengthens democracy and social cohesion. Read the joint op-ed by EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and the UN Resident Coordinator Ingrid Macdonald: eeas.europa.eu/delegations/a…

Cooperation with the General Prosecution, as well as with all other institutions of Albania’s judicial system, remains important for advancing EU accession priorities. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato met with General Prosecutor Olsian Çela to discuss the importance of strong inter-institutional cooperation in delivering justice for citizens and fighting crime. Support for the Prosecution System at all levels was also reaffirmed, including assistance to its Case Management System, with the shared understanding that justice and the fight against crime begin with a strong and well-functioning ordinary system. Close cooperation with the High Prosecutorial Council is essential to ensure accountability and high ethical standards.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Albania and senior government representatives gathered today in Tirana for an exchange on how UN reform leads to concrete improvements at country level. Discussions highlighted the important role the UN plays globally and in Albania. “The European Union remains steadfast in its commitment to support multilateralism and to the international rules-based order, with the United Nations at its core. The challenges we are faced with today—whether conflicts or climate change, migration or technological disruption—transcend borders. No country can sustainably address them alone. Supporting the United Nations is an act of strategic necessity. We must reaffirm not only our commitment to the United Nations, but also the principles that inspired its creation: peace, cooperation, solidarity, and human rights,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.

We visited the building of the Special Court against Organised Crime and Corruption which had been funded by the EU and has recently been renovated to meet the highest EU standards. We welcome the fact that 80% of the cost of the renovation was funded through the reuse of confiscated assets. During the visit acting Chair Judge Erion Bani and EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato discussed the SPAK Court’s role in strengthening public trust in the judiciary and upholding high standards in decision-making. The EU Ambassador also stressed that improving court infrastructure standards should remain a priority across Albania to ensure safety, transparency, and access to justice.

Independent media are essential for democracy, accountability, and informed public debate in Albania and across the Western Balkans. Thanks to the EU-funded #SustainMedia project, 23 independent media outlets from across the region came together in Tirana to discuss media sustainability, innovation, and regional cooperation. Implemented by GIZ in cooperation with Deutsche Welle Akademie, the programme supports stronger, more resilient, and independent media in the Western Balkans. “Independent media in Albania and in the region continue to face growing challenges, including political pressure, economic vulnerability, and rapid technological transformation. In this context, the European Union remains strongly committed to supporting media freedom, pluralism, and sustainable independent journalism through initiatives such as the Sustain Media project. As highlighted by the EU Media Freedom Act, financial sustainability, transparency, and editorial independence remain essential pillars of a free and democratic media environment,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.

Personal data protection is a cornerstone of the rule of law and citizens’ trust in public and private institutions. At the meeting with the Commissioner for the Right to Information and the Protection of Personal Data, Besnik Dervishi, I stressed the importance of a strong and independent institution with sufficient resources to properly monitor and effectively implement Albania’s data protection law, which is fully aligned with the EU legal framework. All public and private data controllers are expected to follow the Commissioner's guidance and recommendations.