The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) has supported the start of EU accession talks with Albania as soon as the country meets the conditions set by the European Council.
It adopted a report on Albania by 62 votes for, 4 against and one abstention on Thursday, which welcomes the country’s clear strategic commitment to European integration. It was prepared by MEP Isabel Santos and amended by several other MEPs.
“They support the convening of the first intergovernmental conference without further delay, following the complete fulfilment of conditions set by the European Council, which would formally mark the start of accession negotiations with the EU,” an AFET press release notes.
The inclusion of the report phrase “following the complete fulfilment of conditions…” was added to the updated press release at the request of MEP David Lega.
The conditions and the AFET report include prosecution of vote-rigging allegations.
It further notes that to ensure the accession process is credible, milestones must be accomplished.
Rival actors’ attempts to undermine the Western Balkans’ EU integration and political stability is also stressed in the report.
The MEPs highlight that progress in accession to the EU depends on lasting, in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas, starting with the rule of law, the effective functioning of democratic institutions and public administration as well as the economy. Judicial reform is key in this regard, as is boosting the fight against corruption and organized crime, along with good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation.
The report expresses MEPs’ serious concern about the polarized political climate and lack of cross-party cooperation that continue to hamper the democratic process.
They note that the April elections will be a key moment to consolidate democracy and political stability, and stress utmost importance for free and fair elections.
