Silvio Gonzato

Official account of the EU🇪🇺 Ambassador to Albania🇦🇱.

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

With support from the European Union, journalists took part in the second phase of “Reporting Effectively on the EU Integration Process”, with sessions by representatives of the EU Delegation to Albania, the European Parliament, the College of Europe and the EUIS Project. The training focused on access to reliable EU information, practical reporting angles on Albania’s accession process, and the role of journalists in helping citizens better understand the reforms and changes linked to the country’s path towards the EU.

“Access to verified, impartial and reliable information is essential for democratic societies and for helping citizens understand Albania’s EU accession process. This applies not only to Albania, but to all our societies. Journalists’ work is vital, and the media should be seen as one of the pillars of democratic societies today,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

Today is a notable milestone in Albania’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law. The closing ceremony of the vetting process in judicial institutions marks nine years of determined efforts to strengthen integrity in the Albanian judiciary.

But reform does not end here. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and @EU_Justice Deputy Director-General Irena Moozová recognised the progress achieved and pointed to the work that still lies ahead on Albania’s EU path. What comes next is an even harder test: making these achievements last.

“The standards established through vetting must endure,” Ambassador Gonzato said, paying tribute to the Independent Qualification Commission, the Special Appeal Chamber and the EU-funded International Monitoring Operation. He called on Albania’s permanent judicial institutions to embed integrity, accountability and professionalism in the daily work of justice. 1/2

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato joined UNHCR Albania, Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs and partners in Tirana to mark 75 years of the 1951 Refugee Convention — a promise to protect those forced to flee persecution, violence and conflict. 1/2

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

After the earthquake of 26 November 2019, many communities were faced with the challenge of repairing the damage but also restoring normal life after the brutal shock. For thousands of children, teachers and families, that also meant the possibility to return to school in safe conditions.

EU4Schools was the European Union’s 🇪🇺 response to this need: a €75 million project to rebuild and rehabilitate 63 educational facilities in the 11 municipalities most affected by the earthquake. This was the EU’s largest investment programme in Albania’s 🇦🇱 education sector. Built with seismic resilience, accessibility for all and energy-efficiency standards, these schools now offer safer, modern and inclusive learning spaces for more than 25,000 students, teachers and children. 1/2

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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.
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[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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.

[Silvio Gonzato @EUAmbAL]

The 🇪🇺 EU remains committed to supporting Albania’s accession process. 3/3

[Silvio Gonzato @EUAmbAL]

Great to welcome President of the European Council Antonio Costa to Tirana yesterday.

His visit took place at a crucial time, when Albania has to show its ability to close chapters.

During his stay in Tirana, he met with state authorities and young people, reaffirming the European Union’s strong support for Albania’s European path. 1/3

[Silvio Gonzato @EUAmbAL]

His message was clear: “Now, it is essential to maintain the momentum in negotiations by staying fully focused on implementing reforms and intensifying efforts to fight corruption.” 2/3

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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.

[Silvio Gonzato @EUAmbAL]

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

[Silvio Gonzato @EUAmbAL]

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

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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.

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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: https://t.co/jukPXd8uTP

#EUGrowthPlan #EUinAlbania

[EU in Albania @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

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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:
https://t.co/5IDN1FXJzI

[EU in Albania @EUinAlbania]

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.