In a symbolic move that aims to strengthen bilateral relations, Albanian MPs unanimously backed a motion urging Greece to abolish the law introduced during WWII.

In October 1940, Athens passed the legislation following an attack by Italian troops stationed in Albania.

Described as a “historical absurdity” by the Party for Justice, Integration and Unity, the declaration presented in parliament on Thursday by the party’s head called on Albania’s government to “make every effort with the government of Greece to abolish the law of war (Law 2636/40) and the legal consequences that come from this law.”

Although both countries agreed to end the formal state of war in 2016, and during a visit to Albania in 2020, Greece’s then-foreign minister called the martial law an “anachronism” and assured that “both countries will solve this problem,” no significant steps have since been made.