The EU Council, in a level of general ministers, for the first time invited the European Commission to report on Albania’s progress with the five key priorities, in a detailed and all-inclusive way, together with the report 2016.
The Council’s conclusions on the enlargement countries leave room for the evaluation report to be presented before next autumn.
The document reiterates the conclusions of June 2014 and the findings published one month ago by the Commission. It welcomes “the stable progress in treating the five key priorities”, especially on the public administration reform, and also the preparations for the general justice reform. But it underlines the need to secure a full, stable and all-inclusive implementation.
The EU Council reiterates the key significance of the justice reform for starting the accession talks. They request “more efforts, especially for approving the justice reform package and for having more progress in creating strong record track for pro-active investigation. It also focuses on decisive prosecutions and sentences for officials from all levels in the fight against corruption and organized crime, including the fight against drug traffic and weapons.
The Council also “looks forward to the implementation of the law on the exclusion of public officials” who have committed crimes. The Council sees stable and constructive dialogue between political parties as vital for the EU progress and integration.
Albania is praised for a constructive commitment in the region and its full adaptation of the EU foreign policy. Albania is encouraged to continue the economic reform, the fight against informality and to improve the business climate for investments.
The conclusions of the 28 European Ministers will be confirmed as usual by the EU summit of heads of states. These conclusions reiterate the need for effective laws on protection of human rights, and the implementation of policies against discrimination, including property rights and rights on minorities.
Prepared by: Arta TOZAJ
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