Fule: Status, but with conditions

The progress report evaluates that the country is about to fulfil the two other key priorities that are related with the public administration and the treatment of prisoners who are expecting trial.

“Based on this progress, the European Commission recommends that the Council must offer the EU candidate status to Albania after the fulfilment of the key measures in the judiciary reforms, the public administration and the reviewing of the parliamentary regulation. The Commission will report to the Council as soon as the right progress will be achieved. The Commission will also take in consideration the commitment of Albania for fighting corruption and organized crime, including pro-active investigations and the punishments for such cases”, declared Commissioner Stefan Fule.

After the conditioned recommendation for the candidate status, which is related with the passing of some laws, the report states that some steps were taken for the six remaining priorities, but their implementation and the elections of 2013 will condition the start of the membership negotiations.

“A special attention is required for holding the elections in full accordance with the European and International standards, in reinforcing the independence, the efficiency and accountability of the judiciary reforms. It is also requires for the fight against corruption and organized crime, including the proactive investigations and penal prosecution; the effective measures for reinforcing the human rights protection and anti-discrimination policies, and also the property rights. The success of the Parliamentary elections of 2013 will be another essential test for the inter-partial commitment and the electoral reform, and a pre-condition for any recommendation for opening the negotiations. The stable political dialogue and the continuity of the efforts in all areas that cover the key priorities will remain essential for the implementation of reforms and the guarantee of the European future of Albania”, Fule declared.

The Commission’s proposition for conditioned status will be reviewed by the member countries that must decide in unanimity during the EU Council on December. The Status will depend on the remaining reform and the readiness of every EU member to accept the developments in Albania.

Prepared by: ARTA TOZAJ

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