Albania getting ready for next step toward EU membership

TIRANA, Jan 19 – Last week, Greece, became the final member country of the European Union to ratify Albania’s Stabilization and Association Agreement, thus paving the way for Tirana’s application for EU candidate status.
The SAA between Albania and the European Union was signed in June 2006 and has now been ratified by all 26 EU member countries.
Albania may now begin the pre-accession process through carrying out a series of significant reforms concerning the economy, justice, legislation and human rights.
Albanian Foreign Minister Lulzim Basha considered Greece’s ratification as a real testimony of Greece’s full support.
According to Basha, “The ratification of this agreement is a real testimony of the full support of Greece, as a neighboring country, as well as to other friendly countries and is a strong encouragement for their deepening in the future.”
“We express our belief that the spirit of cooperation, within the framework of the common European family, will contribute to the further intensification of Albanian- Greek relations, towards the strengthening of the friendship between our two peoples, to the benefit of peace, security and prosperity in the region.”
Prime Minister Sali Berisha has said that Albania will officially apply for EU candidate status in the near future.
Europe continues to remind Albania that corruption and organized crime remain a major challenge on its road toward integration.
Albania also needs to make greater efforts to establish an independent, efficient, and merit-based civil service.
Albania has made progress in aligning its legislation, policies, and capacities with European standards and in implementing interim agreement commitments. However, in the field of justice, freedom, and security, the country has progressed “unevenly”; therefore, the Commission considers there is a need for overall improvement.