Albania preparing for EU candidate status

TIRANA, Jan 27 – The European Movement in Albania (EMA) issued a report earlier this month on Albania’s progress on its European Union membership process.
The report noted that the application for membership in the EU should not become a goal per se, but should serve as an incentive for carrying out tangible reforms which have an impact in the lives of citizens.
Through this process Albania should demonstrate that it is capable to deliver and not only make commitments that remain on paper.
The submission of a membership application should be preceded by the adoption of the Assembly of a resolution, with as wide as possible political consensus, in connection with fulfilling the obligations that derive from this process as a precondition for the success of Albania.
But even more important than a resolution is the adoption by the Assembly of a clear Action Plan in close cooperation with other bodies in Albanian society who determine the steps that Albania should undertake to fulfill its immediate tasks. The Action Plan should be supported by a wide political consensus, which would ensure its continuity.
Albania should demonstrate that it is capable of delivering and not only make commitments that remain in paper.
The European Movement in Albania (EMA) is a think tank devoted to improving the quality of the debate on the European Integration process. It is a forum for an exchange of views on political, legal, economic and social challenges facing Albania in its path towards European Integration.
The government has said that it will very likely hand over the formal request for the start of the candidate status early this year.
Integration Minister Majlinda Bregu said last week that effort would also have the support from the Czech Republic which now holds the rotating presidency for the bloc.