TIRANA, October 7/ATA/ The National Council for European Integration held yesterday the routine meeting on the topic “Steps to be taken after the First Intergovernmental Conference”, in which Gunther Krichbaum, CDU’s Rapporteur for the Western Balkans, was a guest.
Attending the meeting were heads of independent bodies of the justice system: Arben Kraja, Head of the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), Naureda Llagami, Chairwoman of the High Judicial Council, Alfred Balla, Chairman of the High Council of Justice, Artur Metani, Senior Inspector of Justice.
President of the National Council for European Integration Jorida Tabaku and Vice-President Taulant Balla delivered greeting messages highlighting the significance of the moment the country is in and after the First Inter-governmental Conference, as well as thanked Germany for its constant support to Albania in the European integration process.
Tabaku appreciated that after opening of the negotiations, Albania should undertake a serious journey towards the EU, guaranteeing the independence of the institutions, the creation of a competitive market, the construction of a functional democracy, real for families and businesses.
Tabaku emphasized that the Justice Reform aimed to create institutions, not only to guarantee the rule of law, but also to create a society that provides justice and ends impunity.
After acquainting the attendees with the work initiated by the special commission to amend the law on the role of the Parliament on the issue of European integration, Tabaku emphasized that these steps will further strengthen the role of the Assembly to guide this process that belongs to the Albanians and not just the government.
Expressing assurances that the opposition will cooperate to advance the reforms that are required referring to the European integration process, Tabaku underlined the need to increase the transparency and accountability of the government and other institutions because Albanian citizens must understand what benefits or costs they will have during this process.
In conclusion, Tabaku appreciated the contribution made by Germany for the integration of Albania and the Western Balkans in the EU.
On his part, Taulant Balla positively assessed the clear and determined support from Germany and the CDU for the opening of Albania’s negotiations with the EU, as well as appreciated the strong message given by the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for the acceleration of the Western Balkans membership process, especially after the new geopolitical situation created following the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Balla estimated that it is necessary for Albania to have quick access to: structural funds; social cohesion funds, at the same time full harmonization with the policy of EU foreign affairs, as well as the possibility for the integration of Albanians in the EU labor market.
While Gunther Krichbaum emphasized that the purpose of his visit is to encourage the political class and the government to successfully overcome the challenges associated with the integration process.
Among other things, Krichbaum assessed that Albania has made very big steps and progress in the right direction, encouraging to continue the good work started to attract foreign investors, but also the fight against corruption and the undertaking of reforms.
Among other things, Krichbaum underlined that the negotiation process will depend on the progress of the reforms undertaken, so it is necessary not to set exact dates for membership, in order not to disappoint the expectations of the citizens./p.s./
