The main political groups of the European Parliament have agreed to sum
up the 192 amends of compromise in the draft for Albania into 16, by
rejecting some liberal propositions regarding blood feuds and the media,
and especially others coming from right-wing extremists who are against
integration.
“Opening the membership negotiations would be an encouragement that would help developing the reforms, by offering a reliable and tangible perspective of the EU”, underlines the document secured by Top Channel.
“But the success of the reform agenda depends on the existence of a democratic political environment”, the document continues, asking the majority and opposition to exert their political responsibilities fully and that are able to accept compromises, which would increase the citizens’ trust on public institutions”.
“The European Parliament is concerned about the constant political polarization that goes on in Albania, which might put in danger the further efforts of the EU integration”, it says, and it reminds the ruling coalition and the opposition of their “joint responsibilities towards the citizens for a stable, constructive and all-inclusive political dialogue that allows the implementation of the key reforms”.
An independent and professional administration is required in a local level, but also for the electoral institutions. The European Parliament reminds the recommendations of the OSCE and ODIHR on the verge of the June 21st elections.
“We welcome the implementation of the law for the Civil Service, and appeal for its implementation, in order to increase the administrative capacities, the depoliticization of the administration and to fight corruption in the civilian service, to reinforce meritocracy for the appointments, promotions and dismissals, to increase the efficiency, transparency and accountability”, the document continues.
The rule of law and the judiciary reform remain important:
“It underlines the need to reinforce the rule of law, the judiciary reform, to guarantee the citizens’ trust and of businesses in the judiciary; it greets the commitment of Albania in the judiciary reforms and expresses regret for the constant lack of functionality at the judiciary, such as the politicization and limited accountability, the high level of corruption, insufficient resources”, the document says.
The document values the security measures taken in treating the phenomenon of foreign fighters, the measures taken against terrorism and radicalization, but there is still the challenge to fight the organized crime and drug traffic.
“While the success of the recent police operations are recognized, Albania is invited to develop a strategic and all-inclusive approach, and take measures for removing the barriers to the results of investigations, in order to create a track record for the investigations, punishments and prosecutions in all areas and all levels”.
The European Parliament Members mention media independence and regulation authority in “compromises”.
The last amend reached through compromise is about the role of Albania in the region, especially as regards Kosovo and Macedonia, but Tirana “is invited to have an active part for implementing the Adriatic-Ionian strategy of the EU”. The draft-resolution is expected to change after the debate of this Monday at the Foreign Committee of the European Parliament.
Prepared by: Arta Tozaj
Top Channel
