Brussels, 22/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 22 July, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn hailed the adoption of judicial reform in Albania, which they described as a “historic decision”. This reform has been expected for several months.
“The parliament of the Republic of Albania adopted unanimously constitutional amendments which constitute provisions for a deep and comprehensive judicial reform”, Mogherini and Hahn stated. Congratulating the Albanian people, leaders and all political forces on their “maturity and responsibility”, Mogherini and Hahn said that the reform responded “to a longstanding request by the overwhelming majority of the citizens for justice that is accountable, independent and transparent”. This is an “unprecedented step” and also “a major contribution to the fight against corruption and organised crime”, Mogherini and Hahn said. They reiterated that responsible, independent and transparent justice, like the fight against corruption and organised crime, are “key priorities for Albania on its EU integration path”.
Mogherini and Hahn warned it was now important that implementation of this reform begin “immediately”.
The adoption of judicial reform is one of the conditions needed for Albania, an EU candidate country since 2014 (EUROPE 11110), to be able to open its accession chapters. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)