Angelina Eichhorst, EU envoy for Albania’s progress with the five
priorities, especially with the justice reform, said in an interview for
Top Channel that we are in a point in which the government and all
parties should take a stand for the justice reform, fulfilling this way
the expectancies of the EU institutions in Brussels.
She underlines that Albania wants to open the accession negotiations: “It is important to advance with all the elements on which there is common agreement, because the justice reform is not the only one, although it is crucial right now”.
The Brussels’ envoy gave this interview in Tirana to Top Channel’s journalist, Muhamed Veliu.
TCH: What is the goal that you are trying to reach with this visit in Tirana?
Angelina Eichhorst: The main goal is related to a very crucial matter between the EU and Albania. We are in a point when the government and all parties should take a decision regarding the justice reform, by fulfilling this way the expectancies of the institutions in Brussels and get closer to the EU. Albania wants to open the accession negotiations. In order to progress, it is important to fulfill all the elements for which you have agreed with the European Council. The justice reform is not the only issue, but it is very crucial at this moment. I took my duty last September, covering all Western Balkan and other countries, but it is very important for Albania to progress right now as we speak. I met with all the partners here. I had wonderful meetings with politicians and a group of young researchers, with the civil society, the media, the opposition, several ministers and the Prime Minister. My message was the same for all of them. Make sure to agree with each other. You know that the five priorities of Copenhagen are very important for the progress of Albania. The EU is ready. The EU countries are united to help you, as we have done before. This is my message to Albania. You are in a crucial moment right now.
Tch: Are you happy with the progress Albania has made so far with the five key priorities?
Eichhorst: I belong to the group of people saying that a lot has been done so far, and this is important to recognize. But the most important thing is that laws written on paper need to be implemented. We trust that Albania can achieve this. We see what has been done so far, and we will always see this. But it is also important to go to the finish line and take one step further.
TCH: How has Brussels seen Albania’ efforts with the justice reform?
Eichhorst: The justice reform is not the only thing that needs progress. There are other steps that need to be taken. We see that the justice reform propositions are on the table. The Venice Commission will bring the final recommendations and we must reach common ground.
TCH: What is the role of the EU with this reform?
Eichhorst: The EU, same as with all other Western Balkan or candidate countries, gets involved to help building the institutions which need to operate independently, with transparency and for all Albanian citizens. The EU has all the right instruments to help. The reform should be realized by the authorities. We only help with expertise, by addressing matters that need to be done. We also help the actors to sit in a table and convince them with to reach common understanding. We also give the necessary political encouragement for this to take place. This is a role that we as EU have everywhere. Together with the partners who want to join the EU path. This is an intensive partnership and I am happy we have this with Albania.
TCH: Is the justice reform directly connected with the EU accession negotiations?
Eichhorst: Albania wants to take a step further towards the negotiations. The Council of Europe and its 28 member countries have made it clear about what needs to be accomplished. The Copenhagen criteria, the 5 priorities, such as the justice system, fight against corruption, decriminalization, the public administration package – these are essential elements for established rule of law and functional institutions, the sectors in which we want to see progress.
TCH: We have seen your ambassador to Tirana, Romana Vlahutin, being very active for the justice reform together with the US Ambassador, Donald Lu. To the point that has created the impression that the justice reform comes from the international partners, not from Albanians. Is this a right perception?
Eichhorst: The EU is helping. The EU has established the right path to follow. It is up to the Albanian leadership to take the necessary steps for realizing this. We are very involved and with a purpose: the reform must be achieved. As you said, the Ambassador has been very active in this front, with the support of all member countries. This is a moment that should be used well by Albania. The USA are completely involved. This means that you have a united international community in this crucial moment of progress.
TCH: What are your concerns regarding the way how the justice reform has been done so far?
Eichhorst: We always have concerns, because you must make sure that the people understand what is necessary, and people react to big promises. But on the same time the desires of the Albanian people should be respected. We can never sit calmly, waiting for things to happen. No! Our concern is constructive, comprehensive, and in this way we help Albania’s progress with what we can.
Top Channel
