A day after former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha publicly criticized the European Union’s ambassador to Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, EU diplomats stationed in Albania have voiced strong support for the envoy.

Stavros Avgoustides, the Cypriot ambassador to Athens who also covers Albania, posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on behalf of EU ambassadors accredited to Albania, expressing solidarity with Gonzato.

The statement called Berisha’s remarks “unacceptable” and reaffirmed the ambassadors’ confidence in the professionalism and integrity of EU representatives.

“In light of the unjustified and unacceptable criticisms against the European Union and its representatives, the EU ambassadors accredited to Albania issue the following joint statement,” the post read.

Joint Statement of EU Ambassadors
“On Europe Day, we stand united in support of the EU Ambassador and his team, reaffirming our full confidence in their professionalism, integrity, and dedicated service.”

The post was also shared by the German Embassy in Tirana on its Facebook page, highlighting the message of unity and support for the EU delegation in Albania.

Berisha had accused Ambassador Gonzato of acting as an agent for Prime Minister Edi Rama and claimed that the ambassador conveyed false information about the opposition to Brussels. The criticism sparked immediate reactions from the EU diplomatic corps, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the neutrality and independence of EU officials in Albania.