Brussels, 16/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EUP published a statement this week on behalf of the European Union, urging Albania to make greater progress in the reform process, particularly electoral reform ad combatting organised crime and corruption. The EU notes: 'As has been said repeatedly, Albania needs to prove that it can enforce the rule of law in a fair and equitable manner, throughout its territory… the current situation shows that progress towards Europe is still not sufficient.' 'Recent events have shown that drug trafficking and trafficking and smuggling in human beings remain issues of serious concern'. 'The general elections due to be held in 2005 must prove Albania's readiness to make further progress along the path of Euro-Atlantic integration' in line with recommendations by the OSCE, the ODIHR (Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights) and the Council of Europe. The elections will require mobilisation of all Albania's political forces, and complex preparatory work needs to be done to improve the electoral lists. 'A prompt and constructive reaction is needed… Should the lack of a general and shared political will continue to hamper a real reform process, the conclusion of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement could only be further delayed.'