The draft-resolution of the rapporteur for Albania, Knut Fleckenstein,
uses a relatively positive language to encourage the European Commission
in presenting the interim report for opening Albania’s EU accession
negotiations as soon as the justice reform has passed.
Although this matter is mentioned in all six pages of the document, it is the first amendment of the text, by proposition of the Social-Democratic party drafter. It has the consent of the European Popular Parties, before its review at the Foreign Commission of the European Parliament.
The draft resolution “regrettably” notes the “useless debate” and “the lack of cooperation and compromise among the Albanian delegation”, noted during the past inter-parliamentary meeting. They value the “decriminalization” law and measures taken by Tirana. The document says that “corruption remains a problem, especially in education, the health system, the public prosecution and local government”.
Local authorities requested a law for defending collaborators with justice and for improving testimonies for “investigations, prosecutions and sentencing in all levels”. This is for the cases of corruption and organized crime, which have a low number of sentences.
The draft resolution reiterates the findings of the reports of the Commission on the local elections of 2015, the media freedom (Media Authority and Public Television), the implementation of basic rights, especially for minorities and vulnerable groups, and a solution for the property issue.
It recognizes the constructive role of Albania in the region, the inter-religious dialogue, but it also notes with concern that Albania has also been affected by the phenomenon of radical Islamic fighters.
The deadline of the European MPs to present their amends at the Foreign Committee expires on February 25th.
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