Brussels, 05/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - In Tirana on 4 June, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle called on Albanian politicians to debate constructively, and he welcomed the creation of a National Council of European Integration.
“Both government and opposition must show moderation and interact constructively in a compromise-based approach”, Füle said at the end of the high-level dialogue conducted in Albania. In his view, “the ongoing confrontational political climate damages Albania's image and may hinder the reform process”.
In the final statement from the high-level dialogue, the Albanian government confirmed its commitment to a “constructive and sustainable political dialogue with the opposition”, “vital for the sustainability of the reform process”. Furthermore, it is going to create a National Council of European Integration - the first meeting of which will be on 29 July 2014. Füle hailed the creation of this council. “Inclusion and cooperation are crucial for the success” of Albania's ambitions for European integration, said Füle. Albania could obtain EU accession candidate status at the end of June.
Füle also welcomed last week's adoption of the roadmap on the key priorities of the Albanian government. In addition, he hailed the government's presentation of its vision for overall reform, focusing on the reform of the main judicial institutions, and the organisation and functioning of the judicial authority through an inclusive process involving all the main actors of the justice system - including the Albanian Parliament and civil society.
Füle also stressed the need to remain focused and to continue to produce results on the five key priorities (the fight against corruption, the fight against organised crime, strengthening the judicial system, reforming the administration, and respecting human rights), with a view to the Commission's regular assessment (the next assessment being due in October). Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed his government's commitment to strengthen the progress made thus far in EU-related reforms.
The next high-level dialogue meeting is due to take place in September 2014. (CG)