Roundup: EC urges Albania to implement reforms

The European Commission (EC) published on Tuesday the progress report for Albania, noting the achievements and progress but also the fields where Albania should work more in order for the opening of EU accession talks.

The report concluded that more needs to be done in the independence of the judiciary, and the fight against corruption and organized crime. On the other hand, EC requests more dialogue between the political parties in Parliament, and the adoption of the decriminalization law.

The EU Enlargement Commissioner, Johannes Hahn declared that Albania must continue with the reforms in order to move forward, pointing out the reform in justice system and the protection of property, according to Albanian Daily News.

"In Albania, I have welcomed the progress made in addressing the main priorities for the launch of talks and reforms. More must be done for the rule of law, taking the reforms in the justice system forward and make progress in the fight against corruption. Human rights must be respected, especially the right of property, the legislation and compensation of properties," Hahn said in the Foreign Committee of the European Parliament.

As stated in the report, in order to be able to open accession negotiations, Albania will need to implement reforms in key priority areas, mainly by finalizing the comprehensive reform of the judicial system. Further tangible results are necessary in the area of rule of law, including progress with a view to establishing a solid track record of pro-active investigations, prosecutions and final convictions at all levels in the fight against corruption and organized crime.

"The progress report confirms that the way to the opening of negotiations passes through the justice reform which remains the biggest challenge of not only government but also that of citizens in our drive towards the EU," Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama declared on Tuesday during a press conference.

He further said that the progress report highly recommends the in time conclusion of the comprehensive justice reform.

"In my view, if the reform will be concluded without losing precious time and by strongly addressing it in the upcoming months, then, our way towards the opening of negotiations will be open," Rama stressed.

Albanian Parliament Speaker Ilir Meta declared that the EC's report has evaluated the work done so far by the Albanian Parliament.

"The report evaluates the role of the Parliament in the monitoring the independent institutions and the cooperation with the civil society. At the same time, we will take into consideration all the other suggestions aimed at increasing the capacities of the Albanian Parliament for a more qualified expertise of services of Parliament in order to improve the lawmaking process," Meta declared.

Meta also stressed that it is very important for the future and for the opening of negotiations to continue and move forward with the process of decriminalization and the justice reform. Enditem