EU, document for Balkan

“The Council welcomes the recent positive steps of cooperation between the government and the opposition for creation the Parliamentary Commission for the Electoral Reform; the working group for the Parliamentary Regulation Reform and a Parliamentary schedule for passing the laws that require qualified majority, which has already advanced with the approval of three laws. These positive developments should help for overcoming the stalemate that has dominated the country’s political scene. The local elections were considered generally competitive and transparent. However, the electoral process had irregularities that should be addressed through an electoral reform. In general, Albania has made limited progress in fulfilling the membership political criteria, and the 12 criteria that will open the EU membership negotiations”, the document says.

The EU specifies the importance of a proper and independent functioning of the Parliament and the Judicial System.

“The Council encourages the Albanian opposition and government to use these recent developments for positive construction, for reestablishing a constructive political dialogue and for supporting the proper functioning and independence of the democratic institutions, especially the Parliament and the Judicial System. EU remains committed for the European perspective of Albania, and will continue to support the country’s efforts in this process”.

In the conclusions for Albania, the country is asked to make everything, from the war against corruption to the property issues. The electoral reform is also considered decisive, which should fulfill all recommendations made by the OSCE-ODIHR since 2007.

“In accordance with the conclusions of 20 June 2011, the Council also encourages the Albanian Authorities to intensify their efforts with the reform agenda, especially for the implementation of the 12 key priorities. Further efforts are needed, especially in the key areas, including the judicial system, war against organized crime, corruption, protection of minorities and property rights. The accordance between the government and the opposition in cooperation with the civil society; a full electoral reform and the fulfillment of all OSCE-ODIHR recommendations since 2007 before the next central elections remain a priority. Only after fulfilling the above mentioned issues Albania will be ready to progress with the EU, in full accordance with the conclusions of the Council of December 2010”.

These conclusions will pass to the European Summit, which is held on 8 and 9 December.

Prepared by ARTA TOZAJ

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