The debate on the future of Albanian diplomacy is now taking on an overtly political dimension, with the new draft law on the Foreign Service currently under consideration in Parliament. Experienced diplomats warn that the way in which the regulation is being advanced does not ensure either consensus or institutional stability.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors, a body composed of former foreign ministers, ambassadors and senior officials of the diplomatic service, expresses strong concern about the course of the process. It points out that for years, documented proposals have been submitted by people with long experience in the international representation of the country, which – in their opinion – have not been taken into account either by the government majority or by the competent ministry.
In their assessment, the reform is being treated more as an object of partisan debate and less as a strategic choice of national importance. This, they emphasize, creates the risk of weakening the professional character of the diplomatic service and strengthening political influence on appointments and promotions.
The Council is particularly dissatisfied with the fact that it was not given the opportunity to present its positions in detail at a special meeting of the competent parliamentary committee, despite the relevant official request. As they note, such a critical institutional intervention should have been accompanied by a substantive dialogue with the entire diplomatic community.
Experienced diplomats warn that if the bill is approved in its current form, it could disrupt the continuity of foreign policy, create uncertainty for career diplomats and damage the country's credibility abroad. They emphasize that the diplomatic service must operate with the state and its long-term interests in mind, regardless of political changes.
In this context, they call for the withdrawal of the draft law and the restart of the process with broader political and professional participation. At the same time, they call on the President of the Republic not to proceed with the ratification of the law if it is voted without changes, but to return it to Parliament for further consideration.
The Council states, finally, that it is also considering institutional avenues of reaction, including recourse to the Constitutional Court, with the aim – as it states – of ensuring an independent, professional and institutionally shielded diplomatic service.
