Netherlands against status for Albania

“The Commission recommends giving the candidate status to Albania after some laws will be approved. Albania and other countries aspiring accession must show more results regarding justice reform, corruption, organized crime and free, honest elections. We need a history of results”.

After the progress report’s review, the document addressed to the Dutch Parliament initially lists the Commission’s recommendations which are separated for the status and membership negotiations.

“The Commission recommends the European Council to grant Albania the candidate status with the condition that Albania will fulfil some suspended criteria related with the Supreme Court and the Public Administration laws, and the Parliamentary Regulation’s amends, within the remaining period. The Commission thinks that the membership negotiations should start only after Albania implements all reforms and unfulfilled conditions, among which is the organization of free and honest parliamentary elections.”

According to the Dutch government, which recognizes the progress made in some areas, passing only some laws is not enough for Albania to be granted the candidate status.

“Based on the data, the cabinet notes that Albania has especially progressed in approving laws and improving parliament’s functions. But Albania has still a long way to run and must show that the approved legislations are implemented on terrain. The country must build a history of positive achievements.

In this moment, the results in most of essential areas are still insufficient. We are talking about reinforcing the rule of law; addressing the impunity culture and corruption in all levels, war against organized crime and public administration reformation.

For this reason, the cabinet cannot agree with the Commission’s proposition to grant Albania the candidate status based on the currently achieved results.

In the document that analyses the enlargement strategy with all aspiring countries, the Dutch government values that the European Commission was more critical than necessary against Croatia and more tolerant with Albania, and the official position is not in accordance with the Commission’s evaluations.

“The Commission has rightfully focused the rule of law in the heart of the enlargement policy. The cabinet strongly supports this, but on Albania’s case, the Commission does not stand to the criteria that are set by the Commission itself. The harsh criteria of the enlargement policy should be implemented even with Albania”.

For the cabinet, the EU candidate status will become reality when Albania will have guaranteed a stable and tangible progress with the 12 recommendations, especially rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime and the organization of free and honest elections in 2013.

The Dutch government stance will receive be consulted with the Commission for the European Matters of the Dutch Parliament on November 27th, before the government expresses its final decision at the EU council on December.

Prepared by: Arta Tozaj

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