Silvio Gonzato

Memory, justice, & reparation, these are all key values the EU 🇪🇺 stands for! 2/2

Today I returned to the Spaç Prison, two years after my first visit, a visit which left an indelible mark in my memory. Only by coming to this place, one can truly realise the full extent of the violence and cruelty of the communist regime. We gathered to commemorate the anniversary of the Spaç revolt. I want to thank the Anti-Communist Association of Former Political Prisoners for organising the event and for giving voice those who suffered within the dark walls of Spaç. We owe these people three things. First, a place to remember the lives that were lost and the heroism of those who survived. Second, justice, for them and for the families of those who were killed. Lastly, compensation, because compensation is a tangible way of recognising the suffering inflicted and restoring their dignity. 1/2

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/al… #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/al…

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.

A stronger Parliament means a stronger European future for Albania. Through the STEP-EU project, the Parliament of Albania has the opportunity to strengthen its role in overseeing EU-related reforms, promoting cross-party cooperation, and deepening engagement with civil society and the media. “A strong, transparent and inclusive Parliament is essential for advancing EU-related reforms and preparing Albania for future EU membership. An inclusive approach in law making, based on timely consultations and broad participation, strengthens public confidence and ownership of reforms,” EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato said. EU accession is more than just about adopting laws — it is about building democratic institutions that listen, cooperate, and deliver for citizens. The EU remains a committed partner of Albania in every step of the way.

A roundtable discussion organized by the embassy of Netherlands, brought together justice institutions, legal experts and key stakeholders to assess the impact of Albania’s new judicial map on the prosecution system, focusing on institutional performance, workload distribution, efficiency and access to justice. “Justice reform is the cornerstone of Albania’s EU accession path and is important to ensure that it becomes irreversible. Improving the efficiency and quality of justice is a long-term process that requires sustainable solutions, and continued investment in human and institutional capacities at all levels. To improve the efficiency and quality of justice, the judicial map reform still requires additional measures such as strengthening human resources and infrastructure, increasing the number of magistrates, improving digital access and case management systems, and reinforcing dialogue with stakeholders,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato during his remarks.

Academia can play a key role in Albania’s European future. At the University of Durrës “Aleksandër Moisiu”, academics and researchers from Albania came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities of EU integration, democracy and the rule of law. Organised in cooperation with universities and research institutions from across the region and EU Member States, the conference highlighted the importance of academic dialogue and international cooperation in supporting Albania’s reform path towards the EU. “Albania’s EU integration is a whole of society project. It anchors a society on democratic values and fundamental rights through sustainable reforms. In this transformation process, academia can play a crucial role by contributing to an informed debate, to critical thinking, and to developing a long-term vision. Universities and researchers help build the societal consensus and knowledge needed to ensure that reforms are not only adopted, but truly understood, implemented, and sustained,“ said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato

There’s no better way to celebrate Europe Day 🇪🇺 than with some of the brightest future EU citizens. I want to thank Minister Hoxha for hosting me and my EU colleagues at an event where Albanian youth honed their knowledge of the European Union. I told them that together we are building a society where human rights are respected, dignity for everyone is guaranteed, the rule of law prevails, and the environment is protected. A society where everybody has their place, for us and for their future.

Today, on Europe Day, we officially launched Europe Week 2026. 🇪🇺🇦🇱 From 9 to 22 May, this year’s programme brings 55 activities across 6 cities in Albania. 🔗 Learn more: eeas.europa.eu/delegations/al… #EuropeWeek202 #OpenSpace

Listen to the message of the President of the European Council, António Costa, to the citizens of Albania on Europe Day: Albania’s future is in the European Union. Happy Europe Day! 🇪🇺 #EuropeDay2026

Municipalities are at the centre of Albania’s EU journey. In Durrës, the European Union🇪🇺 and Germany🇩🇪 together with representatives from central and local authorities, launched the second phase of the EU4Municipalities programme. The EU, with the support of Germany, is investing EUR 11 million to support better local services, stronger institutions, and sustainable economic development across the country. Over the next three and a half years, municipalities will also benefit from grant schemes and technical support to improve infrastructure, digital services and access to EU funds. 1/2

An independent & fully functioning prosecution system depends on the people entrusted to uphold it. I had a good exchange with Prosecutor Gezim Spahiu, President of the Prosecutors’ Association, and Prosecutor Ledion Tema. We shared views on crucial issues affecting career development within the prosecution system, the quality of justice, as well as the need to further encourage the quality of justice across the country. Now more than ever, the system needs to fill all vacant positions and improve its efficiency to better serve citizens. Young magistrates are a valuable resource in the governance of the system at all levels. The EU🇪🇺 supports the work done by the Association to implement the letter and spirit of the justice reform.

To better understand what Europe Week 2026 brings, watch the full interview with the EU Ambassador to Albania on Wake Up at Top Channel. From the Open Space concept to this year’s programme, this conversation gives you a fuller picture of Europe Week 2026 🇪🇺🇦🇱, its artistic programme, and what will take place in different cities across Albania. 🎥 You can find the full interview here: youtube.com/watch?v=gFhBp9… #EuropeWeek2026 #OpenSpace