By Stefan Fyle
The road to the decision about candidate status for Albania in June is clear. The leaders of the EU Member States outlined it last December when they recognised the efforts, the commitment and the results already achieved by Albania in its reform efforts. Albania will need to build on this – to maintain and increase the tempo of reforms and address the challenges that lie ahead in the areas where most efforts and energy should be focused. Furthermore, we have identified five key priorities needed for opening negotiations.
The 2nd meeting of the High Level Dialogue on these priorities that I co-chaired with Prime Minister Rama in early March in Tirana convinced me that the country has the capacity to tackle its EU integration challenges with determination. Albania needs to focus on the rule of law and produce concrete results in fighting corruption, organised crime and advancing on judicial and administrative reform. Roma integration, anti-discrimination and clarity on property rights are also important reforms. But the most important feature of the High Level Dialogue meeting has been the participation of both government and opposition and the holding of a civilised dialogue between them.
My main messages after this Dialogue are addressed to both government and opposition. The current confrontational political climate undermines Albania’s achievements. You, government and opposition alike, need to make sure the process does not go off track. The government needs to create room for the opposition to participate. It also needs to set a good example by living by the rules. Any perception or doubt that the government does not fully respect the rules or the Constitution damages the country. There can be no justification for dismissing experts in executive agencies based on their political affiliation. Of course, all administrations are obliged to ensure that all their employees adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards. The opposition has a clear responsibility too. It has to maintain a constructive approach. By working together, your efforts will be strengthened. And candidate status, once granted, will be recognition of the work of all concerned.
There is a broad national consensus in Albania on its EU aspirations. All the country’s vital energies, including those of civil society and academia, should be used to achieve the goal of EU membership. I welcome the government’s decision to set up a dedicated mechanism to gather and use those resources, for instance a “National Council for EU integration”, with participation of all main stakeholders. But the time to act is now. There is no time to lose. Any postponement would not be in Albania’s interest. Sharing this sense of urgency by demonstrating a solid capacity to deliver is essential. Delivering on reforms and ensuring the smooth functioning of the country’s institutions is what matters for candidate status.
Albania’s EU integration process impacts beyond its borders. Its importance for the whole region cannot be emphasised enough. Albania has a responsibility not only towards its citizens, but also towards others who look to it for inspiration. By moving decisively ahead on its EU path, Albania will send a strong message to all neighbouring countries and their citizens; the message that European values are strong and driving people who wish to take their European future in their own hands.
˴efan F
