Gesprekken over betrokkenheid EU bij verdere hervormingen Albanië (en)

European Commission

MEMO

Brussels, 22 November 2013

EU-Albania: strong commitment to reforms and EU integration

Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle met with Albanian Ministers of European Integration, Ms Klajda Gjosha, Justice, Mr Nasip Naco and Interior, Mr Sajmir Tahiri, in Brussels today.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to follow-up on the discussions that took place during the first meeting of the High Level Dialogue on the Key Priorities, which took place in Tirana on 12 November 2013.

"I truly appreciate the initiative of ministers Gjosha, Naco and Tahiri to come to Brussels and continue the talks we had last week", said the Commissioner. "Their visit is yet another clear token of Albania's commitment to reform and EU-integration. After my discussion I am convinced that Albania is taking crucial steps to strengthen the functioning of democratic institutions and to embark on a comprehensive reform effort."

The Albanian Ministers reported on various short-term measures in the area of the rule of law. They presented an updated Action Plan on the fight against corruption and organised crime as well as the latest report on the concrete actions taken in these areas. The Commissioner welcomed the developments and pledged to inform accordingly the Member States on the achievements in view of the forthcoming discussions in Council on the Commission's recommendation to grant Albania candidate country status.