Netherlands: No status for Albania
19/11/2012 19:35
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The Dutch Ambassador in Tirana, martin de La Beij, answered to the
question of Top Channel about his government’s position on Albania’s EU
candidate status.
The Ambassador says that the position of the Dutch government has not changed since the letter sent on 26 October 2012, addressed to the Dutch Parliament and that explains the opinion regarding the enlargement strategy that the European Commission published on 10 October 2012.
Netherlands welcomes this report and support the Commission’s emphasize of the Rule of Law, which is discussed with all aspiring countries.
According to the ambassador De La Beij, the report has a very clear and detailed analysis for these countries. The European Commission recommends that Albania should receive the EU candidate status, if they will fulfil important measures for reforms in judiciary, public administration and Parliamentary regulation.
The Commission will also value the further efforts of Albania in the war against corruption and organized crime.
The Ambassador underlines that Netherlands remains a strong supporter to the EU enlargement policies.
On behalf of the Dutch government, Ambassador Martin De La Beij underlines that based on the Copenhagen criteria Netherlands thinks that Albania is not ready for the candidate status.
“Netherlands values what has been achieved in these 18 months, such as the appointment of the Ombudsman, the Electoral Code amends and the immunity law”, the ambassador declares.
Netherlands position towards the integration developments in Albania is clear, according to the Dutch Ambassador, and now it is important for Albania to give tangible examples of how these laws will be implemented.
The Ambassador also reminds the Albanian authorities that the “report clearly declares that Albania must build a credible track record and verify that these laws can be implemented. But this is not yet the case, and for this reason, Netherlands thinks that it is still early for Albania to receive the candidate status”.
The Ambassador concludes his letter: “Netherlands has always had a strict and right policy as regards the enlargement process. Albania must make all efforts to fulfil the criteria and show that they can also be implemented”.
Top Channel
