Albania, without candidate status

A priority in 2013 will be the reinforcing of the rule of law and democratic governing. It also underlines that the enlargement politics focuses on the war against corruption and organized crime.

Top Channel’s journalist, Arta Tozaj, explained on a live interview from Brussels what is actually happening.

Ilir Paco, Tirana: Why the conclusions were postponed and what should we expect from these conclusions?

Arta Tozaj, Brussels: The postponement after 19:00 is related with the EU discussions as regards the conclusions for Kosovo, a dialogue that has been interrupted and that will start again after the discussion about Macedonia. The discussions for Albania closed this Friday. As published earlier on Top Channel, the focus is on the three remaining laws, a more efficient war against corruption, a good functionality of the democratic institutions and the rule of law, and the next elections of 2013, which will be a condition.

Ilir Paço – What is the Ministers’ stance towards the future enlargement?

Arta Tozaj – No good news were expected from Brussels for any of the Balkan countries. Enlargement is expected to be defined as a key policy of the EU, but it is essential for the enlargement countries to get closer to the EU and take their responsibility and obligations. Special concerns for member countries brought the problems that affect freedom of speech. The council reiterates that in some enlargement countries, the problems that affect the freedom of speech and the political interventions in the media are a special concern. They invite the Commission to watch closer the developments in this area. The strengthening of the rule of law and democratic governing remains essential for the enlargement countries to get closer to the EU, so that later they can take the membership obligations.

Top Channel