Without any surprise, Albania is not expected to receive a positive
answer for the candidate status this Tuesday, in the decision of the EU
Council of Ministers’ meeting for general matters.
Top Channel secured the draft-conclusion for the country, approved in an ambassador level last Friday in Brussels, where they welcome the progress marked by the country thanks to the improved dialogue between the government and the opposition.
“Albania has delivered on a set of reforms against the twelve key priorities, particularly addressing the proper functioning of the parliament, electoral reform and appointments of key officials. The Council notes the Commission assessment that Albania has met four of the key priorities and is well on its way towards meeting two others.”
The first paragraph includes the sensitivity of the key countries for war against corruption, the election test and the concerns for the nationalist rhetoric.
“The Council welcomes Albania’s continued constructive role in the region and calls on Albania to avoid statements running counter to good neighbourly relations. The Council underlines the need to further intensify efforts as identified by the Commission in its report, particularly in the area of the reform of the judiciary in order to strengthen its independence, efficiency and accountability, fight against corruption and organised crime, protection of all minorities, as well as the implementation of reforms. The successful conduct of Parliamentary elections in 2013 will be a crucial test for the smooth functioning of the country’s democratic institutions.”
The paragraph for the answer to the recommendation of the Commission, the Council invites it to report them as soon as they are delivered, not only the three remaining issues, but especially the results in the war against corruption and organized crime.
” The Council notes the recommendation of the Commission to grant Albania candidate status subject to completion of key measures in the areas of judicial and public administration reform and revision of the parliamentary rules of procedure. With a view to deciding whether to grant candidate status, the Council invites the Commission to report to the Council as soon as necessary progress has been achieved, also taking into account the further action taken by Albania to fight corruption and organised crime, including by pro-active investigations and prosecutions of such cases.”
In conclusion, the Council reminded that for opening the membership negotiations, the country must fulfill the remaining part of the 12 key priorities that were given by the Commission’s opinion in 2010.
“Sustained implementation of reforms and fulfilment of all the key priorities will be required for Albania to open accession negotiations with the EU. As outlined in the Commission’s recommendation, the Council calls for a particular focus on: conducting elections in line with European and international standards; strengthening the independence, efficiency and accountability of judicial institutions; determined efforts in the fight against corruption and organised crime, including pro-active investigations and prosecution in view of developing a solid track-record; effective measures to reinforce the protection of human rights and anti-discrimination policies, including in the area of minorities, and their equal treatment; and implementation of property rights.”
The text for Albania will be approved this Tuesday by the EU Ministers of European matters, before being sent for the formal consent of the EU leaders during the weekend summit.
By ARTA TOZAJ
Top Channel
