Coming months ‘crucial’ for EU bid, Vlahutin says
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- The next few months will be crucial for Albania’s bid to join the European Union, the bloc’s chief representative in Tirana, EU Ambassador Romana Vlahutin has said
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TIRANA, Sept. 5 – The next few months will be crucial for Albania’s bid to join the European Union, the bloc’s chief representative in Tirana, Ambassador Romana Vlahutin said in a speech this week.
“It is important to hear yet again that European Union is dedicated to finish the inclusion of the region in its core, once these countries are ready,” she said. “However, equally, and I would say even more important is full dedication of Albania to finish the process of reforms, not primarily because that will bring the country into the Union, but because reforms will bring the quality of life of the people of Albania closer to the European level.”
Vlahutin added the process is not about declarations, and words, and wishes. It depends on determination to change, to modernise so that there is true rule of law, social safety and care for all in the society, that economy creates opportunities for all who want to work, and that people can live their life in peace and dignity.
“Albania is also in a very good moment with many potentials. Justice reform, the most demanding and complex reform of all, is now finally to be implemented, with vetting starting in less than two weeks, formation of new institutions including Special prosecution for corruption and organised crime hopefully by the end of this year.”
She added for opening of negotiations, coming months will be crucial.
“People need to understand why certain reforms are necessary, how they will be conducted, how much they will cost but also what they will benefit from them. There must be a much greater impact on their everyday life when we talk about judiciary, environment, agriculture, food safety, economic investments, social services, education, infrastructure, public finances and the ways people’s tax money is spent,” Vlahutin said.
