“No additional conditions for opening Albania’s EU accession
negotiations. This was the message that I gave during my visit as rapporteur for Albania at the European Parliament”, says Knut
Fleckenstein on his Facebook profile, a few days after visiting Albania.
“The post-electoral situation of Albania was part of the talks I held with the President, the Parliament Speaker, the Heads of Parliamentary Groups, the Interior Minister and EU ambassadors”, he said.
“If reforms continue to be fulfilled, the accession negotiations should start by the first half of 2018”, adds the rapporteur, focusing even more on the message he gave to Tirana: “The people of Albania hope for this to be achieved and they deserve it. With the negotiations there will also be a rapprochement process which will take several years”, the post says.
“The duration of the negotiations will depend on the implementation of reforms, but people are going to see that we want progress with the EU. It is a hard path. However, we will offer our help”, Fleckenstein’s message said.
During his visit, a few days ago, Fleckenstein underlined that if Albania follows with the reforms, the decision may be taken by next March, so that the process can start on June.
He added that the country must work harder, as it has done so far, and focus on the fight against organized crime, corruption and to implement the judiciary reform.
Fleckenstein added that the European Parliament will encourage the European Commission and the European Council for response in favor of Albania.
Top Channel
