PAAC met today with MS. Jean Phillipson, the Desk Officer for Albania at the Department of State

MS. Phillipson explained that the DOS noted the OSCE’s preliminary report on the elections in Albania and they consider it an improvement over 2017 despite concerns that they share with the OSCE.

PAAC conveyed concerns regarding the pace of judicial reform in Albania to which MS. Phillipson responded by saying that SPAK needs to be operationalized and more judges need to be recruited to fill a glaring shortage. She also stated that it is time for people to bring forward cases for the system to try. By successfully and transparently trying cases, greater public confidence can be built.

The DOS is very happy with security cooperation with Albania and, in particular, the U.S.-led NATO Defender 21 exercises currently taking place. She also conveyed that between EXXON Mobil, Excelerate Energy, Bechtel and others, there is an estimated $1B US being invested in Albania. She expressed hope that Albania can eventually become an LNG hub and an energy exporter.