TIRANA, Oct 8 /ATA/ The Head of European Union Delegation in Tirana, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, presented on Thursday the “Annual Report of the European Commission for Albania” at the meeting of the National Council of European Integration.
He said that the Annual Report provides a rigorous assessment that indicates the way forward, highlighting what has been achieved and where there is still work to be done.
Regarding the political criteria, Soreca said that there are significant achievements in a difficult context, however he stressed that the political dialogue needs to be improved.
As to judicial system, he said that this is the area where we have seen most progress with implementation of Justice Reform, in all elements, continuing consistently.
At this point, he seized the opportunity to invite all the vetted judges and prosecutors to apply for two vacancies on the Constitutional Court.
Soreca, based on report, praised the performance of vetting and work of IMO.
On the fight against corruption, the Commission considers that Albania has some level of preparation.
Albania continued its efforts on the track record on investigating, prosecuting and trying corruption cases. Through the vetting, a number of high-ranking magistrates have been dismissed. We have also seen a number of convictions of lower or middle-ranking officials.
It requires further structured and consistent efforts. Final convictions in cases involving high-level officials remain much too low.
On this, we have very good expectation that SPAK will significantly strengthen the capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption.
On the fight against organised crime, the EU ambassador highlighted the joint police operations between Albania and partner countries. International police cooperation, especially with EU Member States, has also intensified, leading to a number of successful large-scale law enforcement operations
SPO was established and provided with a set of important investigative tools.
However, the country needs increased prosecutions and final convictions, as well tackling money laundering and confiscating assets stemming from crimes.
Soreca added that we have seen a lot of progress on the legislative side, especially on social housing, children rights and juvenile justice. Implementation remains, however, to be seriously strengthened.
Efforts are ongoing to consolidate property rights, but should be strengthened, especially, to advance the process for registration and compensation.
On the protection of national minorities, Albania needs to swiftly adopt the remaining bylaws for the 2017 framework Law on minorities, the ambassador said.
The ambassador said that some progress has been seen in improving the institutional capacity on border management and asylum.
Albania is the first of the Western Balkan countries where the European Border and Coast Guard Status Agreement with the EU has entered into force (May 2019).
Frontex joint operations have also proved successful in strengthening border controls, enhancing security at the EU’s external borders and combating migrant smuggling.
He also focused on economic criteria. Albania has made some progress before COVID-19, with unemployment decreasing to record lows, and exports growing solidly.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the structural weaknesses of Albania’s economy. Albania’s competitiveness is hindered by lack of entrepreneurial and technological know-how, a significant skills gap, weak institutions and low levels of investment and infrastructure quality.
“The enlargement package this year includes an Economic and Investment Plan for the Balkans. I will not go into details as Commissioner Varhelyi has presented it yesterday to the Parliament. Let me stress that it adds to the very considerable financial support provided by the European Union to address the short and long term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,’ he said.
The Economic and Investment Plan will support the implementation of reforms and bring the region closer to the EU Single Market.
The ambassador concludes his speech saying: The Commission has assessed that Albania has pursued its reform efforts, which should continue even in a pre-election period. Albania is now close to meeting all conditions to be fulfilled prior to the first Inter-Governmental Conference.
Discussions with Member States in the Council on the draft negotiating framework are ongoing. We hope that the first intergovernmental conference can be convened as soon as possible.
/sm/
