Brussels, scanning Albania

Politics

The European Union underlines that the well-functioning of the Democratic Institutions is an essential aspect of the political criteria and in the EU membership process. EU underlines the importance of the reestablishment of the entire Parliamentary activity, based on a stable and constructive dialogue between all Parties. This is a key priority of the Opinion. The political stalemate is withholding the most important reforms that have been required for the road towards EU membership. The full function of the Parliament is vital for the credibility of the Democratic maturity in Albania.

Stalemate

EU expresses its regret for the continuity of the political stalemate and the confrontational political climate that derived by the disagreements about the result of June 2009 general elections, a dispute that was further fueled by the January 21st events and May 8th local elections.

EU repeats the appeal that they are ready to contribute with any means to solve the political stalemate. But they emphasized that first, it is a responsibility of the political leaders to decide on the future of their country, the personal agendas of the political parties, and to find a solution to this crisis. The political leaders must undertake all necessary steps and must take all necessary actions for this purpose.

As for the elections, the EU states that despite the irregularities, the electoral process was within the norms, until the announcement of the preliminary result, which triggered the problems. This part of the 26 pages long document, secured by Top-Channel, can change depending on the further decisions and developments in Tirana, until the day of this meeting.

Elections

EU repeated its appeals that the electoral reform and the elections are key priorities to the Opinion.
EU notes that despite some irregularities, the voting process during May 8th elections was generally calm. The counting process was slow and although it was followed by some tensions, it was generally within the norms.

EU expresses its regret for the deterioration of the situation and the increased tensions that followed the lack of announcement of the preliminary results by the Central Election Commission, and especially after its decision for counting miscast ballots, which was confirmed by the Electoral College.

EU expects the following appealing process to be fair, transparent, and to be held independently and in full accordance with the current legal structure.

EU emphasized the need to implement all recommendations given by OSCE-ODIHR after 2009 General Elections, and the preliminary recommendations of May 2011 Local Elections (including the final recommendations, soon after they will be published) for improving the practices of the past and for guaranteeing a full consistency with EU and international standards for democratic elections.

In general, EU praised the approval of new laws, except those that require a qualified majority, although the government has not performed the necessary consultations with the civil society and interest groups. However, things always get blocked in the implementation. Meanwhile, they repeat the appeal for creating a public and independent administration. The judicial system keeps being criticized for incorrect performance, and EU does not forget to remind the necessity to conclude the investigations of January 21st events and the punishment of the coulprits.

The Administration

As for the Reforms on the Public Administration, EU underlines the need for creating an independent civil service, professional, based on merits and free from political influences, as a key priority of the Opinion. EU expressed its concern on the limited progresses that the Albanian administration has made in this field. The increase of supervisions, efficiency and the implementation of the punitive measures on time must be implemented and reported regularly by the Albanian authorities. There is the need of guaranteeing a reinforcement of the Civil Service law and for implementing the strategy of the public administration reform, including the a review of the existing legal structure, the reinforcement of the authority and administrative capacities of the Public Administration Department, and improving the transparency for civil service recruitments. The new law for the civil service is still in the initial phase.

Judicial System

EU underlines that the rule of law and its independence, impartiality, transparency, efficiency and responsibility of the judicial system are key elements for the reassessment of the political criteria of EU membership. The judicial authorities must be able to work independently, without any inadequate interference or obstacles. EU emphasizes that they will continue to closely monitor the investigation of January 21st events. It is essential for these events to be fully investigated by the right authority of State Justice; the investigations must be followed by the prosecution and all who are responsible must take the deserved punishment.

As for the media, EU requires visible evidence that guarantee its freedom and independence.

MEDIA

As for the freedom of speech, EU notes that the pressures from politics and businesses continue to damage media independence. The covering of May 8th elections by the media marked an improvement compared to previous practices, but there are still concerns on the impartiality o the news. EU repeats the appeals that the Albanian Parliament must pass amends in the Penal Code for including libel and insult in the crimes list. EU wants to remind Albania the necessity of supporting media freedom and independence. Media freedom is a basic pillar in well governing and accountability. 

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