In a debate for Albania at a plenary session of the European Parliament
in Strasbourg, the Lithuanian representative of the European Union
council was not convinced, although the status was supported by the
Commissioner for Enlargement, the rapporteur, the main political groups
and the head of the delegation for Balkan.
“I don’t want to prejudge the decision of December 17th, taken by the Ministers. The Albanian government seems determined to progress on key areas. On the same time, an important consideration for the member countries is the need for stability and credibility, with the creation of a track record”, declared Vytautas Leskevicius
“Enlargement is credible only when each party keeps its obligations. This is what we should do also”, declared the Commissioner for Enlargement, Stefan Fule.
“The resolution was foreseen for January. I insisted to bring it earlier, for two reasons: helping the other countries and helping the Parliament. I think that the Parliament should have a strong stance for such important decisions. Then, it is up to the Council to decide”, declared Nikola Vuljanic, rapporteur for Albania at the European Parliament.
“We are in favor of the candidate status for Albania. The country deserves it, but it doesn’t mean that they deserve to be a member country. Not yet. But we would want to start with the negotiations”, declared the European Parliament Member, Doris Pack.
“The candidate status is the first step. We would want to encourage all Albanian political forces and authorities to consolidate their achievements and increase their efforts for having a positive decision about the negotiations”, declared Libor Roucek, from the S&D group of the European Parliament.
“Congratulations to Mr.Berisha, who allowed the power rotation without attacks in the history of Albania. Congratulations to Mr.Rama, who was able to fulfill the European obligations. Let’s hope that the ministers will give Albania a chance to progress with the reforms, and that the political countries will keep this chance with both hands”, declared Marie Cornelissen, from the Green Group at the European Parliament.
“This is not an award for one government or another, but a signal to the Albanian people, to encourage them to continue with the reforms that have remained for reaching the Copenhagen criteria. We should keep in mind the welfare of the people, and we should keep in mind that they should profit from the progress in the European Union path”, declared Marietje Schaake, fromo the Liberal group at the European Parliament.
“This is the time to intensify the remaining reforms. I support the resolution and congratulate the rapporteur. I hoe that the main message will be shared by the Council later this month”, declared Eduard Kukan, head of the Delegation for Balkan.
“”The reason why I appealed the member countries for taking in consideration the efforts of Albania and their results, before the discussion, was because I valued them. I must emphasize that Albania is still facing challenges and we are not recommending the negotiations. I trust that the candiddate status will bring an encouraging message to all citizens, that the future of Albania is in Europe. It will consolidate the country’s commitments for European integration, to continue the necessary reforms and face challenges such as the current economic situation. I believe that this will have a positive effect in the region”, Fule declared.
“The European integration requires serious efforts in an European and level, and it should be an all inclusive process. The continued commitment and the stable, constructive political dialogue, is important for the success of Albania. The upcoming months will be key for the government to show the determination and make their promises tangible. Certainly, is healthyer for a government to have the support of its citizens for the European integration efforts. This is the significant base on which the political leaders could work in a joint platform, for the country’s own interest. Allow me to underline the progress reached by Albania last year, regardless of the past months. It showed political will and concrete results to bring forward the much needed reforms. I am convinced that the further efforts will continue during 2014”, Leskevicius declared.
The Foreign Ministers of the European Union will decide on December 17th for Albania’s candidacy, and this stance will be confirmed two days later by the Council of presidents and governments of the Union.
Prepared by: ARTA TOZAJ / Top Channel
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