Zvërnec investment, Balla: a huge economic loss if you say no. Environmental protection will be guaranteed

The head of the SP parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, spoke about his meeting with the chair of the German Bundestag’s European Union Affairs Committee, where the focus of discussions was relations between the two countries, German investments in Albania, and justice reform.

The Zvërnec investment was one of the issues discussed, with Balla saying the necessary clarifications were given during the meeting on the guarantees accompanying the project, stressing that investments of this nature are of strategic importance for Albania.

“I believe we have clarified properly regarding several guarantees. The first guarantee is that investments of this nature in our country are of a strategic nature and must be protected,” Balla stated.

He stressed the importance of the Zvërnec investment not only for its financial value but also for the impact it could have on tourism development.

“The Zvërnec investment, not only in value but also in importance as regards tourism, is impossible to say no to. It is a huge loss for the economy. The first phase is linked to the purchase of the land, and then the other phases will come,” he said.

Balla also underlined that Albanian institutions will bear the responsibility of guaranteeing respect for environmental standards and European Union directives.

“The Albanian government and the Albanian agencies involved in this process will commit to guaranteeing environmental protection, also in connection with EU directives,” Balla stated.

He also spoke about the DP’s proposal on territorial reform, adding that the opposition should continue consulting its proposal with the country’s municipalities.

Balla did not give an answer on whether the Socialist Party will vote for the DP’s proposal on October 8, adding that the Socialists’ stance will depend on the work of the Laws Committee.

“The Laws Committee is doing an excellent job. I welcome the fact that the DP has understood that in democracy one competes with proposals. A proposal has come. The law stipulates that any draft for changes to the administrative-territorial map must go to the municipal councils. In my assessment, before joining the parliamentary procedure, it must go through the same process. It is not my fault that these poor fellows are always late. In our case, the parliamentary procedure has met all deadlines,” he said.

Balla stressed that if the Laws Committee completes its review of the draft, it can then go for a vote in plenary session, according to the Assembly’s calendar.

“If the Committee closes it, the Assembly’s calendar foresees the 8th,” Balla said.