The remarks of the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, at the Conference for Digitalization in Elections in the EU and the Western Balkans

Dear Commissioner, Mr Celibashi,

Dear Mr Wolf,

Dear representatives from IDEA and Stiftung Mercator

Dear colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join the opening of this important regional conference on digitalization in electoral processes, a theme that lies at the intersection of democracy, technology, and governance.

Digital technologies are transforming the way in which citizens engage in Democracy, the way in which information is produced and circulated but also the way in which elections are managed. These changes bring enormous opportunities for inclusive participation and transparency, but they also come with new vulnerabilities, from disinformation and AI-driven manipulation to issues of cybersecurity and data misuse.

The European Union has developed one of the most comprehensive digital frameworks in the world to safeguard democracy online — this body of law incluides the Digital Services Act, the European Media Freedom Act, and the AI Act, and it will soon be complemented by the forthcoming Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising Regulation.

These instruments are not just about regulating markets; they are about protecting citizens, ensuring fair political competition, and maintaining trust in institutions. Initiatives such as the European Democracy Shield and the European Cooperation Network on Elections will further strengthen coordination and resilience.

But let me now turn to our host country, Albania.

Today’s discussion coincides with a crucial moment in Albania. Following the May 2025 elections, the political landscape is now actively engaging in reform. The establishment of a JointParliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform- alongside with other initiatives aimed at addressing the overall electoral environment (not just the legislative framework) which might affect the level playing field which, according to OSCE/ODHIR was missing in the 2025 elections -reflect a strong national recognition of the need to address past challenges and strengthen electoral integrity. The EU welcomes all these steps andencourages an inclusive, evidence-based process guided by the OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations.

The Central Election Commission, has already taken important steps in its post-election analysis, outlining concrete proposals to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and trust in future electoral processes.

We fully support these proposals.

Digital oversight is increasingly central to this reform agenda. It means ensuring that online campaigning, political advertising, and data use are transparent, verifiable, and subject to independent monitoring. 

The use of digital technology also requires modernising electoral systems — from voter education and training to IT infrastructure and result management — in a way that safeguards both security and public confidence.

The EU and the Council of Europe are proud to continue our partnership through the new project “Support to the Electoral Cycle in Albania”. This project aims to enhance CEC capacity, topromote inclusive participation of civil society and media, and to foster digital transparency in line with European standards.

Democracy and digital governance are shared responsibilities. They rely on open dialogue, strong institutions, and the collective commitment of all political actors. This why we are gathered here today.

Electoral and digital reforms are part of Albania’s EU accession commitments under Cluster 1 - the Fundamentals. They are contributing directly to the Roadmap on the Functioning of Democratic Institutions, which underlines the importance of transparent elections, accountable governance, and citizen participation as essential foundations for EU membership.

Democracy is not static — it evolves with technology and institutions, based on sharedvalues, notably transparency, integrity, and trust in elections. This is a shared responsibility. The EU is committed to support Albania and the CEC in this overall process. 

I wish you an inspiring exchange today, and I thank International IDEA, Stiftung Mercator andour partner the CEC for bringing this topic intothis important discussion today.