Brussels, 26/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - The election campaign period in Albania is no excuse for slowing reforms, said Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle on Monday 25 February, adding that there was no time to lose. “The current campaign period is no excuse for slowing work on EU-oriented reforms, and government and opposition alike need to assume their responsibility in bringing Albania closer to the EU”, Füle stated during his meeting with the leader of the Socialist Movement for Integration, Ilir Meta. “It is important to ensure the highest possible participation of voters and coming back to the business of the European agenda very soon after the elections”, he added. The European Union is still awaiting reforms in public administration, justice and the rules of procedure of the parliament, but also in the fight against corruption.
The Commissioner also reiterated that the unfolding of the parliamentary elections of 23 June, and preparations for them, are a “crucial test” for the functioning of the democratic institutions. (CG/transl.fl)