Balla: On our path to joining the EU, any form of discrimination is unacceptable

2025-12-10 12:04:00, Politikë CNA

The Laws Committee has begun reviewing the draft law “On some additions and amendments to law no. 10221, dated 04.02.2010, 'On protection against discrimination'”, where new regulations have been proposed that aim to strengthen legal protection against any form of discrimination.

In his speech, the head of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, emphasized that the 2020 amendments expanded the range of prohibited grounds for discrimination, including elements such as citizenship. He emphasized that in the process of European integration, Albania must guarantee the highest standards of human rights protection.

"On our path to joining the EU, any form of discrimination is unacceptable and does not comply with the values ??of the great European family," declared Balla.

He focused particularly on gender discrimination, emphasizing that this is often the basis on which forms of gender-based and sexual violence arise.

Balla presented this new phase of updating the law as a necessary process after analyzing the practice to date and the developments of the last five years.

"The changes carry a complete approximation of our legislation with that of the European Union and aim to guarantee a more effective shield against any form of discrimination. From 2020 to 2025, new forms of discrimination have emerged, which require a clear legal response," he said.

The new amendments affect the basic definitions of the law, clarifying the notions related to discrimination and addressing existing shortcomings, such as the case of the concept of harassment as a form of discrimination, which was previously not fully defined.

According to Balla, the draft law aims to strengthen control and guarantee protection for every Albanian citizen, both in the public and private sectors, ensuring that the law is a real instrument of protection and not just a formal one.

The draft law will continue to be reviewed in parliamentary committees before moving to the plenary session./ CNA