Swedish MEP David Lega has reminded the Albanian government that it is expected to bring its laws and policies inline with the EU acquis and must respect the European way of life.
In an exclusive quote given to Exit, he said:
“As a candidate country, Albania is expected to align its legislation with the relevant international standards and the EU acquis. Nevertheless, Albania also needs to demonstrate that it shares our values and respects the European way of life.”
He added that the government’s proposed media law is not compliant.
“The so-called ‘anti-defamation package’ in its initial form is an example of the opposite of that way of life…Media freedom and pluralism, and the freedom of expression should be worshipped.”
The member of the Swedish Christian Democrats and the EPP Group said he welcomed Rama’s comments on the revision of the law and hoped he would take criticisms into account.
“I welcome Prime Minister Rama’s statements on the so-called ‘anti-defamation’ media laws. It seems to me as if the external and internal pressure, pushing for media freedom and freedom of expression, has had a positive impact. Now I await appropriate governmental actions addressing all the concerns raised by the Venice Commission.”
Lastly, he took the opportunity to congratulate the media who formed the Albanian Ethical Media Alliance, the country’s first self-regulatory platform. He also extended his support to Exit.al who were elected to the board that will oversee complaints of potential media ethics and professionalism violations.
“In the meantime, I am delighted to see media outlets independently stepping up their efforts to ensure media ethics. That being said, I’d like to express my sincere support for Exit and the other members of Alliance for Media Ethics.”
