Brussels, 04/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle said, on Thursday 3 May when addressing the Albanian parliament, that he sees “Albania's future as lying in full European Union membership”. He pointed out that the EU is determined to pursue its commitment with Tirana. Füle took the view that the year 2012 could be the year in which Albania takes a major step towards European integration. He called on Albania to make that opportunity a reality, saying he has great faith in Albania's ability to make the progress necessary in order to move towards the opening of membership talks through acquisition of candidate status.
Stefan Füle stressed that an “overwhelming majority” of Albanians believe their country's future lies in the EU. He sees this as “essential for the success of reforms to be accomplished in order to bring Albania into the Union”. This, he went on to explain, will require a real national effort, calling for involvement by the government, the opposition, the organised civil society, and the public.
Underlining the progress made by his country since November 2011 and the political agreement between government and opposition, the commissioner said that greater effort is needed. New progress will depend on the stability and sustainability of the dialogue between the political forces, the ability to find consensus in parliament, and also the achievement of concrete, tangible results in the 12 crucial reforms defined by the EU. He highlighted four areas of greatest concern for the EU: - electoral reform, the role of the parliament, primacy of law including an independent, effective and responsible legal system and counter-corruption measures, and human rights. Füle also highlighted the importance of an administration that works properly, in order to come into line with the EU body of law, and a viable market economy. (CG/transl.jl)