STEP-EU project launched to support Albania’s Parliament in the EU accession process

On 12 May 2026, International IDEA, in cooperation with the Assembly of Albania and with funding from the European Union, launched the STEP-EU project: Strengthening the Albanian Parliament for EU Integration.

The project comes at an important moment for Albania, as the country advances in its EU accession negotiations and continues to implement reforms linked to membership. In this context, the Assembly of Albania has a central role to play in ensuring that the process is transparent, accountable and responsive to citizens’ expectations.

As Albania moves closer to the European Union, Parliament’s responsibilities are also growing. STEP-EU will support the Assembly in strengthening this role. The project will contribute to a more effective and inclusive parliamentary process, including through closer engagement with civil society, the media and the European Parliament. It will also help create space for dialogue, exchange and shared learning as Albania prepares for the responsibilities of EU membership. Through sub-grants, the project will also provide financial support to local civil society and media organisations, helping them contribute in a more effective manner in parliamentary processes and to reinforce the link between policy expertise, citizens' concerns and public interest, and law-making.

Speaking at the launch, EU Ambassador to Albania, Mr Silvio Gonzato underlined the importance of an inclusive and transparent parliamentary process:

“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.”

The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Niko Peleshi, described the initiative as an important step in modernising parliamentary services and strengthening the Assembly’s legislative and oversight functions. He noted that Albania is closer than ever to EU membership, pointing to the pace of negotiations, strong public support for European integration and the Assembly’s responsibilities in delivering on rule-of-law commitments.

Through STEP‑EU, the Assembly of Albania is expected to further consolidate its role in overseeing EU-related reforms, fostering cross-party cooperation, and deepening engagement with citizens and stakeholders, as highlighted during the event by the Director of the Regional Europe Programme at International IDEA, Mr Sam van der Staak.

The launch brought together high-level representatives from national institutions, international partners, civil society, and the media, providing a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration around strengthening parliamentary democracy in the context of EU integration.