The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, called on Albania on Wednesday 14 November to deepen its reform movement, welcoming the progress made in recent years.
"It is essential that Albania deepens its reform movement and maintains its current level of commitment", she explained at the end of the 10th Stabilisation and Association Council.
Ms Mogherini welcomed the progress in judicial reform, "an unprecedented effort that is already bearing fruit", stressing that the rule of law is being strengthened in Albania. According to Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati, accession negotiation chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (freedom, security, justice) "are essential and will be fundamental milestones towards building a strong judicial system".
The High Representative highlighted the results achieved in the fight against organised crime. "Commitment to the fight against crime and corruption must be maintained. Decisive action should lead to a convincing outcome", added Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations. He also called for a reform of the electoral law before the local elections in June 2019.
And while the Albanian Interior Minister resigned and the President refused his successor, Ms Mogherini recalled that it was "crucial for the EU that the work of the Ministry of Interior is fully functional for work in this field to be carried out".
Moreover, according to Commissioner Hahn, the favourable economic environment "provides an opportunity to further accelerate the pace of economic reforms”.
Ms Mogherini and Mr Hahn also stressed the importance of a dialogue between political parties. "A strong and continuous political dialogue remains essential for Albania to pursue its reform agenda. We expect all political parties to work in this spirit", the first one explained. Here again, the Albanian Minister was reassuring, stating that the government and the majority had reaffirmed, at the Council, their commitment to dialogue in Albania and at international level to advance the reform agenda, including judicial reform.
The High Representative and the Commissioner also welcomed Albania's regional role. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)