EU asks Albania for deeper reforms overall

TIRANA, Dec. 6 – The 17th meeting of the Consultative Task Force and the 11th meeting of the Joint Committee between the EU and Albania were held on 5 and 6 December 2007. These meetings allowed the Commission and the Albanian authorities to engage in fruitful discussion on issues including electoral reform and reform in the fields of rule of law, fiscal policy, internal market and social policies. The discussions covered also reforms in the sectors of energy, transport, environment, information society and agriculture and fisheries. The talks focused in particular on priorities identified in the framework of the political dialogue between Albania and the EU, and Albania’s obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA).
The Commission underlined that respect for democratic principles is a fundamental tenet of the SAA. It encouraged the Albanian political leaders to take all necessary steps so that the next Parliamentary elections are held in full conformity with international standards.
The Albanian authorities agreed with the Commission that strengthening the rule of law is a key underlying factor for Albania and its progress towards the EU. The Commission welcomed Albania’s initiatives in fighting corruption and organised crime and encouraged Albania to sustain its efforts. It called on Albania in particular to further pursue judicial reform, to adopt further systemic measures to fight corruption, and to strengthen its efforts to fight money laundering and to protect witnesses. The Commission underlined that successful reform requires constructive co-operation among political parties.
The Commission welcomed the measures taken by Albania to smoothly implement the Interim Agreement and Albania’s constructive role during the negotiations and ratification of the revised Central European Free Trade Agreement. The Commission also welcomed Albania’s ratification of the European Common Aviation Area Agreement and encouraged Albania to ensure proper implementation of this agreement. The Commission expressed satisfaction concerning the positive trend on collection of customs revenue, the developments in the fields of audiovisual policy, public procurement and competition, as well as Albania’s efforts to simplify business registration and to strengthen customs capacity. It encouraged Albania to make further progress as regards intellectual property rights, addressing the informal economy, security of energy supply, information society and veterinary and sanitary issues.
The Commission assured Albania that it will continue to play its part under the agreements signed with Albania and more broadly through the Stabilisation and Association process. Minister Bregu assured the Commission that Albania will continue to show determination in fulfilling the commitments it has undertaken.
The Albanian delegation to the meetings was led by Minister of European Integration, Ms Bregu. The EU delegation was led by Ambassador Saba d’Elia, Ambassador of Italy to Albania, representing the EU Presidency, and Mr Dirk Lange, Head of Unit for Albania at the European Commission.