Brussels, 25/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 24 March, European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn underlined the importance for Albania to continue its reform efforts with a view to opening EU accession negotiations. Tirana must therefore make progress in five key areas - its administration, its judiciary, its human rights and its fight against corruption and against organised crime.
During a press conference in Tirana at the end of the 5th high level EU-Albania dialogue, Hahn noted “with satisfaction” that the Albanian government had a clear understanding of what it needed to do to achieve concrete results under each key priority. He stated that it was important that Albania pursue “a comprehensive, inclusive and consistent justice reform process which is essential to increase public trust in the judicial system”. He also stressed the “need for a serious and coherent policy” in the fight against organised crime and corruption, “with a decisive action leading to proactive and efficient investigations, prosecutions, and final convictions”. In Hahn's view, it is essential to continue enhancing the efficiency and independence of the public administration. Work on economic reforms and on approximation of Albania's national legislation to EU standards needs to proceed in parallel with the five key priorities, Hahn also stated.
The commissioner also called on the government and opposition “to work together constructively in a spirit of compromise” so that Albania might move forwards towards the EU.
Noting with satisfaction the parliament's adoption of a law providing for the creation of the national council for European integration, Hahn said that this council should now be formally established and begin to work on strengthening the inclusive nature of the reforms in Albania. He said this would be a key development for the consolidation of consensus on Albania's European reforms and for ensuring that the energy of all stakeholders, including civil society, is channelled into the process. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)