On Thursday 29 November, the European Parliament supported the Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations with Albania “in recognition of the country's reform efforts”.
Through Knut Fleckenstein's (S&D, Germany) report, which they adopted (459 in favour, 112 against and 62 abstentions), MEPs encourage the country to maintain the momentum of reforms, recalling that the opening of negotiations would contribute positively to strengthening democracy and the rule of law by providing further incentives for the reform process and strengthen the control exercised over this process.
The report welcomes Tirana's progress in strengthening its legal, administrative and institutional framework and in the fight against organised crime, but expresses its concern at the still high level of corruption.
And while noting progress in the reform of the judicial system, Parliament criticises the “persistent slowness and inefficiency” of this system.
“Open political dialogue and constructive cooperation” between political forces are important, they added.
According to MEPs, Albania must continue its efforts in terms of human rights, particularly those of minorities.
In addition, the authorities should accelerate reforms to increase competitiveness and combat the informal economy and improve the business and investment environment.
Finally, Parliament calls for stronger measures to combat illegal entry and stay and unfounded asylum claims in Member States from Albanian nationals. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)