The member of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), Richards Kols, has reacted sharply to the situation in Albania, criticizing the use of police violence against students and minors, as well as attacks on journalists. In a reaction, Kols points out the contrast between the image that Albania tries to convey in Brussels, as a reliable NATO ally and one of the leading countries in the European Union accession process, and the situation inside the country.

"Albania is presented in Brussels as a reliable NATO ally and one of the leading countries in the EU accession process. But in its own country, the police confront students and minors using rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades. Journalists are assaulted while carrying out their duties," Kols says.

He emphasizes that NATO and the European Union are alliances of democracies, built on the rule of law and respect for citizens. According to him, the use of tear gas against students and attacks on journalists contradict these principles.

Statement
Albania is presented in Brussels as a reliable NATO ally and one of the leading countries in the EU accession process. But in its country, police confront students and minors using rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades. Journalists are assaulted while doing their job.
NATO and the EU are alliances of democracies. Both are based on the rule of law and respect for citizens. The use of tear gas against students and attacks on journalists show the opposite. Values ​​are proven in your country. The Albanian government is currently failing this test.
Attributing the anger of young Albanians against corruption and impunity to “foreign interference” is an insult to them. Every case of police violence must be investigated. Albanians must have the right to decide for themselves about their future.

Albania presents itself in Brussels as a reliable NATO ally and an EU accession frontrunner. At home, the police met students and minors with rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades. Journalists are beaten while doing their job.

NATO and the EU are alliances of democracies. Both are built on the rule of law and respect for citizens. Tear gas against students and assaults on journalists say otherwise. Values ​​are proven at home. The government of Albania is currently failing that test.

Blaming "foreign interference" for young Albanians' anger at corruption and impunity is an insult to say. Every case of police violence must be investigated. Albanians must get to decide their future.

— Rihards Kols (@RihardsKols) October 18, 2026

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