Brussels, 27/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 27 June, the EU heads of state and government decided to grant EU accession candidate status to Albania, taking account of the conclusions of their European affairs ministers on 24 June. The ministers had decided to grant candidate status, while calling for fresh efforts from Albania - including progress on reforming its public administration and judicial system, on the fight against organised crime and corruption, on the protection of human rights and anti-discrimination policies (especially in the area of minorities and equal treatment) and on implementing ownership rights. They also called on the European Commission to step up its follow-up and assessment of Albania's reform process. Albania lodged its application for candidate status in April 2009. (CG)