Brussels, 10/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 10 October, highlighting Tirana's progress on the key priorities set out in 2010 since the political agreement of November 2011, the European Commission recommended that the Council grant Albania the status of candidate country “subject to completion of key measures in the areas of judicial and public administration reform, and the revision of the parliamentary rules of procedure”. The Commission will submit a report to the Council when the progress is made - a report which will also take into account the fight against corruption and organised crime.
In order to move on to the next stage and open negotiations, “Albania will have in particular to demonstrate sustained implementation of commitments already undertaken and completion of the remaining key priorities which have not been met in full”, the Commission states. It highlights the holding of elections in line with European and international standards, the strengthening of independence, the efficiency and responsibility of the judicial institutions, the fight against corruption and organised crime, the strengthening of human rights protection and non-discriminatory policies, and the implementation of ownership rights. “The conduct of the 2013 parliamentary elections will be a crucial test in this regard and a pre-condition for any recommendation to open negotiations”, the Commission states.
The report underlines that Tirana has fulfilled several key priorities concerning the proper functioning of its parliament, the adoption of laws requiring a reinforced majority, the appointment of the ombudsman, the hearing and voting processes for key institutions and the modification of the legislative framework for elections. Albania is making progress in the reform of its public administration and the improvement of how detainees are treated. It has also made effort in other priorities, such as the adoption of the law on administrative courts, the lifting of immunity for high level civil servants, the increase of seizures of criminal assets, and the adoption of a comprehensive strategy on property reform. (CG/transl.fl)