Later this month, Tirana will start discussions with Brussels on how the country aligns with EU stances on the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions and the fight against corruption.

The Democratic Party of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha has been holding protests at parliament in the past week after a colleague was convicted of slander and imprisoned in a case they consider as being politically motivated. Ervin Salianji has appealed his conviction to the Supreme Court.