Commission statement on the protests in Albania

We condemn the use of violence in Tirana and other cities in Albania, including arson, attacks on State institutions and the destruction of public and private property. Violence has no place in a democratic society, and the response to it must remain within the law and proportionate.

Those responsible should be held to account through due process.
 
Freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights and core European values, to be respected and exercised peacefully.

We welcome the Albanian authorities' commitment that the right to protest will be protected. In a candidate country firmly committed to the EU accession process and making important progress on its EU path, grievances should be handled through constructive dialogue and in a peaceful manner.