EU condemns violence in Albanian protests and urges a proportionate response

The European Commission has condemned the violence that accompanied protests in Tirana and other Albanian cities, calling for a response that stays “within the law and proportionate”. The statement was published on 18 October 2026 by the press team of the EU Delegation to Albania.

The Commission singled out arson, attacks on state institutions and the destruction of public and private property. “Violence has no place in a democratic society,” it said, adding that those responsible should be held to account through due process.

At the same time it described freedom of assembly and expression as fundamental rights and core European values that must be exercised peacefully. It welcomed what it called the Albanian authorities’ commitment that the right to protest will be protected.

Brussels framed the matter in terms of accession. Albania is a candidate country that is, in the Commission’s words, “firmly committed to the EU accession process” and making important progress on its EU path. In that setting, the statement said, grievances should be handled through constructive dialogue and in a peaceful manner.

The statement does not describe the protesters’ demands, give figures for arrests or injuries, or name organisers. Those details are not covered by the Commission text and are not reported here. Geopolitiki has earlier reported on the state of Albania’s membership talks in EU enlargement: Montenegro has closed 21 of 33 chapters, Albania 4; what the Commission announced on the Western Balkans.

The full text is available on the EU Delegation to Albania website.