Speaking at an interparliamentary conference on EU enlargement and Albania’s accession, Moreira de Sousa said enlargement was not simply a series of negotiations between governments but a political project involving institutions and society.

“Enlargement is not simply negotiations between governments. It is a political project, a process of transforming institutions and society,” she said.

She highlighted Albania’s tangible progress in judicial reform and the rule of law, including the completion of the vetting process for judges and prosecutors and the establishment and strengthening of independent justice institutions.

She also pointed to progress in legislation covering human rights, gender equality, protection from gender-based violence, children’s rights, non-discrimination and data protection, as well as economic and structural reforms supported through the EU Growth Plan.

“The accession process not only prepares Albania for future EU membership, but also helps Albanian citizens. It is absolutely crucial for citizens to feel the transformative impact that EU membership brings,” she said.

The EU Ambassador said the process would become more demanding as Albania moved closer to membership, stressing that adopting legislation was only one part of the process.

“Implementation of reforms is an indispensable part of the process,” she said, calling for institutions to function independently and sustainably and for reforms to deliver lasting results, particularly in the rule of law and democratic institutions.

She also stressed the role of parliament in scrutinising legislation, overseeing the executive, representing citizens and providing space for political debate.

“Parliament is indispensable to a successful accession process, not only because it adopts legislation aligned with EU law, but because its role goes much further,” she said.

Moreira de Sousa said Albania’s ambitious reform timetable should not come at the expense of quality, parliamentary oversight, transparency or consultation.

“The accession process only has meaning when citizens can see what the European Union means for their everyday lives,” she said.

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