Brussels, 12/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 12 December, MEPs called on member states to “recognise the progress made” by Albania and grant the country “candidate status without delay”, with the Council perhaps deciding to grant this status on 17 December.
In the report by Nikola Vuljanic (GUE/NGL, Hungary) that they adopted, MEPs welcomed the fact that European integration and modernisation of the country would remain key priorities of the new government and pointed out that preparations for European integration should have as broad political and public support as possible.
MEPs urged the authorities and all the different political forces in Albania to consolidate the progress that has so far been made. Parliament therefore considers it “essential” to maintain a genuine political dialogue and “authentic” cooperation with all the different parties and that all parties and political actors in Albania, including the media and civil society, should strive to improve the political climate.
MEPs encourage the government to pursue integration reforms consistently, which involves all the different political forces and civil society. Parliament took note of the “encouraging” progress made in the reform programme but also underlines persistant shortcomings when it comes to implementing legislation. MEPs added that measures to carry out the reform programme should be stepped up. They call on the government to strengthen administrative capacity and continue with reform of the public administrative apparatus. According to Parliament, this progress should be pursued on respecting the rule of law and strengthening “the independence, responsibility, impartiality and efficiency” of the legal system, the fight against corruption at all levels, and organised crime.
MEPs also call on the authorities to continue with socio-economic reforms, such as the measures for promoting job creation. They welcome the “stabilising role” played by Albania in the Western Balkans. (CG/transl.fl)