Brussels, 13/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 13 December, the European Parliament asked the Council to grant Albania “candidate status without delay, provided it delivers key reforms” (in the judiciary, public administration and the functioning of parliament). By adopting the Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL, Greece) report on the progress achieved by Albania, the MEPs say that the parliamentary elections of 2013 “will be an important test of the maturity of Albanian democracy (…) and the ability of all political forces to embark on a common European agenda for the country” which are essential for progress in the accession process.
Hailing Albania's progress in fulfilling the political accession criteria, the MEPs call on it to continue its reforms and its progress - in particular on the reform of the judicial system and public administration, the legislation on elections, the fight against corruption and organised crime, pluralism of the media, and rights and fundamental freedoms - including the freedom of expression of information, of meeting and association - and also on the protection of minorities.
The MEPs ask the Albanian government and all relevant organisms to do all in their power to apply to the letter all the criteria and essential measures for visa exemption. The Parliament also calls for the continuation of socio-economic reforms. It hails Tirana for promoting good neighbourly relations. (CG/transl.fl)