European Commission: Citizens' protests in Albania against price hikes are legitimate

The statement comes after questions sent by Exit, after Prime Minister Edi Rama said the day before EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell visited Tirana that a Brussels official had said the protests served Russia and Kremlin and had asked who organized them.

Albanians have been protesting over a week to raise fuel, energy and food prices, requiring various fiscal reliefs. The government has introduced several measures, but has repeatedly said protesters are shy and are strengthening the Kremlin.

Various citizens in Albania, as well as in the rest of the Western Balkans and beyond, have legitimate concerns about rising fuel and food prices”, The Commission said.

“The EU recalls that respecting European standards for freedom of peaceful collection and for the protection and inclusion of vulnerable groups are key membership requirements that are monitored closely. All the actors involved should exercise coolness and maximum content”, The European Commission added.

The latest comment comes after hundreds of people were apprehended by police, including officers dressed in civilian clothes. Several journalists were attacked and one requested hospital treatment after being postponed and beaten by officers.

The Commission's statement continued that price hikes were largely prompted by Russia's fight of aggression against Ukraine”, rather than by EU sanctions and Albania's approach with them.

“The EU sanctions are carefully made and target those responsible for policies or actions that the EU wants to influence, reducing as much as possible any unwanted consequences”, He went on.

The commission also noted the establishment of a special committee to address the impact of Russia's fight against Ukraine on the Albanian economy and the national board for fuel management, as well as continued monitoring of the situation by Albania's Competition Authority.

“The EU will continue to support its Western Balkan partners in comprehensive and sustainable economic development, in particular by responding to the social and economic impact of war, possible future shocks and to allow economic recovery”, End of statement.

Protesters have made a series of requests to Rama and have said that if they are not met they will gather in the country on Saturday to continue the protest.