TIRANA, May 26 /ATA/ Germany’s Ambassador to Albania Karl Bergner and the Netherlands Ambassador Reinout Vos issued a joint statement on Tuesday on the occasion of the 8th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels.
The statement says that “the achievement of the interim benchmarks in the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster represents an important step in Albania’s European Union accession process.
The ambassadors also congratulate all Albanian citizens, as well as those in politics, administration, and the judiciary, “who have contributed through their strong commitment in this regard.”
The ambassadors emphasize that Albania is part of the European family and add that Germany and the Netherlands strongly support its membership in the European Union.
“A strong rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights, and a pluralistic democracy are at the core of European values. Therefore, progress in the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster determines the pace of Albania’s path toward the EU,” the statement continues.
“Respect for the independence of the judiciary and the unimpeded fight against corruption, including at the highest levels, constitute non-negotiable conditions for Albania’s progress in the European Union accession process,” the joint statement reads. “This also includes ensuring that decisions regarding the lifting of immunity are consistent with the recommendations of the Venice Commission.”
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