Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-09-06-Speech-3-067"
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"en.20060906.5.3-067"2
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".
Mr President, I believe that there is broad agreement in this House on how welcome this new step is for Albania and for our policy on the Western Balkans. It is true that more resolute and determined reform efforts must be undertaken by Albania, as well as efforts to build up properly functioning institutions and a democratic culture.
I agree with the rapporteur, Mr Ilves, that this provides Albania with a golden opportunity to reform the country in line with the rule of law and all democratic principles.
Like Mrs Pack, I also noted the tense situation in the country over the summer and the parliamentary boycott by the opposition. I am, however, pleased that a new political agreement was reached last week, reflecting a new consensus on media and electoral reform. I take this as a sign of the increased maturity of Albania’s political culture, and this must be pursued further in the future.
I was asked what the Commission’s position is on the progress in electoral reform in Albania. The Commission has underlined, both to the Government and to the opposition, the need to restart discussions without delay in the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform. We have reiterated that reform discussions should take into account the recommendations of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, following last year’s parliamentary election.
I agree fully with Mr Hatzidakis that the Stabilisation and Association Agreement helps us to coach the country towards European standards as regards electoral reform.
There is also a question about the magnetism of the European Union and what our view is of any possible application for membership from Albania. On behalf of the Commission and the Union, I have made it clear to Albania’s political leadership and to the general public of that country that a sustained track record of successful implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, as well as a tangible track record of reforms and their implementation on the ground, must be established over time before any consideration of further formal steps towards the European Union is possible. Implementation, implementation and implementation should be the name of the game in Albania now as regards its European aspirations. This concerns especially the need to fight organised crime and corruption. The Government of Albania has demonstrated a strong will to make serious progress in that field. Efforts have to be sustained and in such a way that they do not violate democratic and fundamental rights.
The Commission will report on Albania’s progress in the context of this year’s enlargement package in October or November. I am very glad that the European Parliament has invested a lot of time and energy in monitoring and pursuing political dialogue with Albania. I am sure that together we can achieve positive results in terms of coaching Albania towards its European future.
I fully agree with the Members who have underlined the importance of visa facilitation for the countries of the Western Balkans, including Albania. The Commission made its proposals for the negotiating mandates for the Western Balkans on visa facilitation in July. I am very glad that the Finnish Presidency intends to secure the adoption of those mandates before the end of this year.
Albania already has a readmission agreement in place, so I sincerely hope that a visa facilitation agreement can be negotiated swiftly and then soon implemented. It would be good for civil society and business – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – and for students, researchers and all citizens. It would contribute to the Europeanisation of Albanian civil society, which is our common goal."@en1
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