Presence of ISIS fighters in Albania

27.1.2017

Question for written answer E-000472-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Salvatore Domenico Pogliese (PPE)

Several leading Italian newspapers have recently published news concerning the presence of groups of ISIS fighters in Albania. More specifically, in a number of villages along the border with Kosovo, several ISIS flags have apparently been sighted. The Italian authorities have already said they cannot rule out possible threats to national security.

1. That said, in the light of Albania's EU accession negotiations, which officially started in June 2014, does the Commission intend to cooperate with the Albanian authorities in order to ward off the terrorist threat and ensure that EU Member States are safe? If so, what exactly does it intend to do?

2. Given that most Albanians are of the Islamic faith, will the Commission include in the accession negotiations some specific clauses concerning the combating of radicalisation and ascertainment of the real use of overseas funding — in particular from Saudi Arabia and Qatar — for the establishment of so-called Islamic cultural centres in Albania?