Brussels, 16/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 16 October, the European Commission recommended granting Albania the status of candidate country, “on the understanding that Albania continues to take action in the fight against organised crime and corruption.”
In the 2013 progress report for Albania, the Commission states that Albania “made good progress on its path towards EU integration, notably by adopting measures identified as essential” for granting candidate status and by continuing to deliver the reforms linked to the main priorities set by the Commission in 2010. Tirana has thus taken the first measures to improve the efficiency of investigations and prosecutions in the fight against organised crime and corruption, and the parliamentary elections in 2013 were conducted in an overall “smooth and orderly” manner, the Commission states. The Commission also notes other measures including the reform in public administration and the parliament's rules of procedure, and measures for fighting against discrimination. “However, additional and sustained efforts will be necessary to fully comply with the political criteria”, the Commission adds.
In order to open accession negotiations, Albania must make further progress - particularly on administration reform, the rule of law and fundamental rights (including minority rights and rights of ownership) - the Commission states. The Commission also says that “concrete measures” are needed to strengthen the accountability, independence and efficiency of the judiciary, and to fight against corruption and organised crime.
“Constructive and sustainable political dialogue will remain essential for a successful reform process”, the Commission states. Cooperation between the majority and opposition in Albania currently remains difficult. Albania's constructive commitment to regional cooperation remains essential, the report states.
With regard to bringing its standards closer to those of the EU, Albania needs to make increased efforts to strengthen its administrative capacity to implement and apply legislation, the Commission underlines. (CG/transl.fl)