Elections top Albania’s EU integration process

TIRANA, March 25 – Elections are the main issue that Albania should concentrate on at this moment (other than their NATO membership next week).
That has been mentioned by all European Union officials visiting Albania or meeting Albanian officials. This fact was mentioned by the EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn saying Tirana should first take care of the June 28 elections before applying for the candidate status.
First Europe naturally asks for Albania’s visible and strong implementation of the SAA and further continuation of reforms, including political stability and democratic maturity.
Through communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the Western Balkans, it was made clear that “Albania’s further progress towards the EU depends in particular on satisfactory implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, ensuring that future elections will meet international standards and strengthening the rule of law, especially the fight against corruption and organized crime.”
Albania has continued to make progress in reforms and approximation to EU standards. It is implementing its Interim Agreement under the SAA well and building up a track record, it said.
Albania has maintained a balanced position on the Kosovo issue, thus contributing to regional stability.
Political leaders in Albania have pledged to engage in a constructive relationship on key reforms. Electoral reform, particularly in view of the 2009 parliamentary elections, strengthening the rule of law, reform of the judicial system and the fight against corruption and organized crime are central. An improved climate in parliament will contribute to moving forward on such issues.
Albania will further develop its relations with the EU provided that it maintains satisfactory implementation of the SAA, ensures that elections fully meet international standards and further strengthens the rule of law. Strengthening the business environment and competitiveness of the economy will also be important.