This is an extract from a speech that EU Ambassador Christiane Hohmann gave at the launching of the project “European Union for Law Enforcement in Albania – EU4LEA”.
The start of accession talks is a huge achievement for Albania and for the EU. It is the result of years of work and continuous determination, including by many of you present today. Albania is starting a marathon, which will require endurance, skills, and strong coordination.
As you know, EU member states are the ones define the “rules of the game” for EU enlargement. And they have made it very clear that progress on rule of law will determine the overall pace of Albania’s EU accession talks.
Therefore, Albania will need to demonstrate strong political leadership to advance the rule of law. And justice institutions and law enforcement bodies will of course play a crucial role.
Besides the screening, one of the first tasks for Albanian authorities as part of the accession negotiations will be to present a rule of law roadmap, in which they will set out their reform ambitions and targets.
Let me mention some of the critical issues that will be of particular attention to EU institutions and Member States:
They will look at how the justice reform is being consolidated – such as the completion of the vetting, the proper functioning of the independent justice institutions, efforts to improved efficiency of the justice institutions.
They will closely monitor the track record of investigation, prosecutions and convictions in the fight against corruption and organised crime.
They will expect more results in the field of anti-money laundering. We need to continue to work together to ensure Albania’s delisting from the FATF grey list.
There will need to see a continuous commitment to counter the production and trafficking of cannabis, trafficking in firearms and human beings.
Another key indicator will be the further development of cooperation with EU Members States’ law enforcement agencies, Europol and Eurojust, building on the existing achievements.
In this respect, continuity of cooperation is essential, to develop the necessary trust. It also requires the use of secured transmission channels like SIENA – making use of the equipment and training provided by the EU.
We want Albania to succeed in this endeavour and this is why the EU will be here to support.
