TIRANA, Nov. 9 – The European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, has given its green light for opening accession talks for Albania, a recommendation given with some conditions and which now must pass several other hurdles both at the EU and member levels.
The move was confirmed Wednesday by European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Johannes Hahn through the release of the Progress Report on Albania for 2016.
Commissioner Hahn said the Commission issued a recommendation to Albania “on a condition related to a tangible application of the reform in justice and of the vetting law especially in terms of the verification of judges and prosecutors.”
He added: “We must see very clearly and credibly that this works on the ground. Only results count.”
Hahn added Albania has made decisive and steady progress in the reform agenda toward fulfilling all of the five key priorities for the opening of accession negotiations. He highlighted the unanimous approval of pivotal constitutional amendments in July 2016, which paved the way to a “thorough and comprehensive judicial reform process system.”
During the publication of a series of reports related to enlargement, Commissioner Hahn praised the consistent implementation of public administration reform and public financial management reform strategies.
“Further progress is key to consolidate achievements towards a more efficient, depoliticized, and professional public administration,” according to the progress report on Albania.
The progress report noted Albanian authorities have continued “work towards the establishment of solid track records of proactive investigations, prosecutions and convictions in the fight against corruption and organised crime.”
Albania has “made some progress in particular on identifying and destroying cannabis plantations,” it added. “However, cooperation between police and prosecution needs to be further strengthened to dismantle criminal networks more effectively. The number of final convictions in organised crimes cases is still low, marking only a slight increase in recent years. Financial investigations related to organised criminal groups are not used systematically and effectively. The track record of freezing and confiscating illegally acquired assets remains very low.”
Immediately after the publication of the report, Albanian authorities welcomed the recommendation that paves the way to start membership talks with European Union.
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the recommendation is “the best reward for the three years of battles and reforms.”
Minister of Integration Klajda Gjosha also said that Albania’s political class has more responsibilities and work to do to continue with reforms.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also praised the decision of European Commission noting “the recommendation marks a new start for Albania” .
The European Commission publishes annual progress reports on the seven countries in line for membership: Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as Kosovo.
Turkey has been negotiating membership talks for 11 years after first applying for membership in 1987, while Serbia opened accession talks in 2013. Albania was granted EU candidate status in 2014.
