Luela Hajdaraga in “TA NEA”: “Developments in Albania should be viewed with interest, not concern”

Against the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in Tirana—marked by anti-government protests, chaos in the streets, and a sharp escalation in the political climate—the Albanian Ambassador to Greece discusses the situation in her home country, all the while keeping in view the goal of Albania’s accession to the EU. Condemning the violence and emphasizing that protests must remain peaceful, the Ambassador notes that “domestic challenges and European ambitions should not be viewed as contradictory”.

What concerns you most about the situation in Albania?

I believe every society goes through moments of tension, and what matters most is how it chooses to navigate them. Having grown up in Albania during a period of profound change, I have always viewed democracy not simply as a system of institutions, but also as a culture of listening, respect and responsibility. For me, the priority is to ensure that differences remain part of a democratic conversation rather than becoming a source of division.Albania has made a strategic choice in favour of its European future, and this journey requires patience, mutual trust and strong institutions.

Are the protesters justified in their demands, and what are the risks if the unrest continues?

I would start from a simple democratic principle: people must feel that their voices matter. Peaceful protest is one way citizens express their expectations, and listening to those expectations is an essential part of democratic life. The challenge is to turn moments of disagreement into opportunities for better understanding rather than lasting divisions. It is equally important that protests remain peaceful, as violence cannot be a solution and risks undermining dialogue and public trust. This is particularly important for younger generations, whose confidence in institutions and in their future is essential to the country’s long-term development.

Should Greece and other neighbouring countries be concerned about the situation in Albania?

I believe that developments in Albania should be followed with interest and perspective, rather than alarm. Albania and its neighbours share an interest in regional stability and prosperity. What matters most is that challenges are addressed peacefully and through dialogue. Albania and Greece are connected by much more than geography. Our peoples share a long history of contact, family ties, cultural exchanges and an increasingly interconnected future. In my service in Athens, I have seen how the Albanian community in Greece and the Greek minority in Albania help bring our two societies closer. The Western Balkans are an integral part of Europe’s future, and Albania’s European path is closely connected to the stability and prosperity of the wider region. Ultimately, good neighbourly relations and mutual understanding remain essential to a more peaceful and prosperous region.

What could de-escalate the crisis? Is there anything Greece could do to help?

Throughout my diplomatic experience, I have come to appreciate that even the most complex challenges become more manageable when there is a genuine willingness to understand different perspectives. Dialogue, respect for democratic institutions and a willingness to listen can help build confidence and move discussions forward. It is equally important that differences are expressed peacefully and that violence is avoided. As a neighbour, a friend and an EU member state, Greece can continue to support Albania’s European aspirations and encourage constructive dialogue and cooperation within the established European framework. I have always believed that diplomacy is most effective when it builds bridges rather than draws lines. Our two countries have every reason to continue investing in dialogue, mutual understanding and a shared vision for a more stable and prosperous region.

Do you consider the timing of these protests to be coincidental, given that Albania is on the threshold of EU accession?

I would be cautious about drawing conclusions regarding the motives behind, or the timing of, protests without a clear basis for doing so. Every country has its own domestic dynamics, which deserve to be understood in their proper context. For me, the European project has always been about more than borders or membership. It is about building a society in which institutions are

trusted, differences are respected and every citizen can look to the future with confidence. Albania’s European integration process has made significant progress, including the opening of all 33 negotiating chapters and the provisional closure of four. This represents an important milestone in the country’s European journey. Domestic challenges and European ambitions should not be viewed as contradictory. The ability to address challenges through democratic means, peaceful dialogue and respect for the rule of law is part of what makes the European path meaningful. Our focus should remain on moving forward constructively, with confidence in Albania’s European future and in the value of continued cooperation with our partners.