Tirana Times
TIRANA, May 12 – The European Union warned this week that the country’s political deadlock could delay Tirana’s integration efforts.
“The EU called on the Albanian political leaders to take into account the possible consequences of the political deadlock for Albania’s EU integration path,” said an EU statement. “The EU stressed that a solution to the current political stalemate should be based on two fundamental democratic principles, which are the respect for the constitution and transparency.”
Albania, a NATO member since last year, has also applied for the EU’s candidate status.
The Stabilization and Association Council between Albania and the European Union held its second meeting on 11 May 2010 participated from Ilir Meta, Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and the EU delegation led, on behalf of the High Representative, by State Secretary Diego Lopez Garrido, Foreign Ministry, Spain and Commissioner Stefan Fuele represented the European Commission.
The SA Council noted the conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 7 December 2009, where the Council noted that the 2009 parliamentary elections met most international standards but some shortcomings remained and the OSCE/ODIHR recomme-ndations needed to be followed up. It noted that strengthening the rule of law and notably the fight against organized crime and corruption, as well as the proper functioning of state institutions, especially the independence of the judiciary, remained urgent challenges for Albania. The Council also recalled that administrative and enforcement capacity required further strengthening, and independence of the administration needed to be ensured. It noted that more efforts should be made to improve conditions for media freedom. The Council noted that Albania had made progress in fulfilling the benchmarks set in the framework of the visa liberalization dialogue. The Council encouraged Albania to continue its constructive role in the stability of the region.
“This process sis shadowed by the domestic political situation, the lack of finding a solution and the situation being aggravated by the hunger strike. That’s not helpful and it is not what is expected from the country, which is in this sort of advanced relationship with the EU,” said Fuele at a news conference. “It is for the political establishment and Albania to show the maturity.”
The EU also called on all political parties in Albania to pursue a constructive political dialogue, including in parliament.
The SA Council reviewed developments related to the political criteria. The SA Council stressed the importance of a constructive political dialogue between major political parties and actors, which is a key priority of the European Partnership. The EU underlined the importance for all sides to actively cooperate to re-establish uninterrupted full parliamentary activity involving the ruling majority and the opposition. In democratic societies, Parliament is the place for dialogue and the resolution of differences. The EU called on the Albanian political leaders to take into account the possible consequences of the political deadlock for Albania’s EU integration path. In the period leading to the preparation of the opinion on Albania’s application for EU membership, a fully functioning parliament is essential for demonstrating Albania’s democratic maturity and for ensuring progress on key reforms. The EU will continue to follow future developments with a particular attention on progress as regards the political criteria. The EU stressed that a solution to the current political stalemate should be based on two fundamental democratic principles, which are the respect for the constitution and transparency.
The SA Council welcomed very good progress made by Albania in meeting the benchmarks of the road map for visa liberalization
The SA Council also reviewed progress on judicial reform, which is a key European Partnership priority, stressing the importance of the rule of law and independence of the judiciary as core aspects of the political criteria for EU accession. The EU stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive reform strategy for the judiciary and called on Albania to safeguard and respect the independence, transparency, efficiency and accountability of the judiciary, and in particular the Constitutional Court and of judges and prosecutors.
In relation to the fight against corruption, which is a key European Partnership priority, the SA Council noted the recent adoption of the integrated Anti- Corruption Action Plan for 2010. The EU called for rigorous implementation of the Action Plan and the underlying anti-corruption strategy. It underlined the importance of establishing a convincing track record of investigations and convictions free from political interference.
The EU pointed out that unresolved property issues have undermined efforts to develop a functional land market and kept foreign investment below potential.
Improving legal certainty is crucial for further enhancing the business climate and addressing risks of corruption.
With regard to freedom of expression, the EU recalled the importance of respecting media freedom and independence and of ensuring an improvement of the overall climate for the media. Media freedom is a fundamental pillar of good governance and accountability.
The SA Council was informed on the efforts made and called for further progress with regard to the implementation of the adopted strategy for the public administration and stressed the importance of establishing and maintaining a stable, professional and merit based civil service.
As regards the economic criteria, the SA Council noted that Albania has moved closer to a functioning market economy but observes shortcomings on real estate registration and orderly market exit procedures.
The SA Council noted that the EU welcomed the progress made by Albania in aligning its legislation and capacity with European standards and in implementing Stabilization and Association Agreement commitments.
