EU stands by its Ambassador under fire in Albania

EU External Service Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic
EU External Service Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic

Brussels – The European Union expresses regrets on media allegations against the EU Delegation and its Head Romana Vlahutin in Albania. The EU confirms its support and has full trust in the Ambassador and the whole team for their dedication and professionalism.

This is what the EU External Service Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic said yesterday on allegations that the EU Ambassador to Albania has been involved in a shady ascquisicition of a luxury villa bought at €1,6m, double the normal market rate.

Kocijancic said that in coordination with EU institutions the Delegation in Tirana will continue to accompany Albania in its difficult rule of law reform in order to establish a credible and sustainable justsice system, which Albanian citizens desire and deserve.

“Albania is a candidate country and as confirmed by the November 2016 European Commission progress report, is advancing steadily towards the EU and we will offer our full support so that this pace is maintained” said Kocijancic.

The statement comes as several media outlets have accused the EU Ambassador Vlahutin of missusing EU money while an alleged investigation has been initiated by EU’s Anti Fraud Office OLAF.

Several Albanian outlets hinted that OLAF is looking into the issue after this week’s meeting between Albanian General Prosecutor and OLAF’s Director-General in Brussels.

However, no official confirmation of a possible investigation has been granted by OLAF.

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