Annex 1: The Minister's summary of the
Commission report on Albania and his comments, contained in his
Explanatory Memorandum of 28 October 2013~
ALBANIA
"In view of progress made,
the Commission recommends granting Candidate Status, on the understanding
that Albania continues to take action against organised crime
and corruption.
"Albania has made progress against
some aspects of the political criteria, including the passing
of relevant legislation an d broadly well-conducted elections,
but further progress is required in other areas.
"The report outlines where progress
has been made in improving the efficiency and independence of
the judiciary , and in tackling organised crime and corruption,
but highlights that much more needs to be done in all these areas.
"Democracy and the rule of law.
Despite a tense build-up, the Parliamentary Elections in June
were broadly well-administered, and resulted in an orderly transition
of power. Just prior to the elections, Parliament passed the
three key measures on the Public Administration, the High Court,
and on Parliament. However implementation of the measure on the
Public Administration - designed to depoliticise the civil service
- has been delayed until mid 2014. In general, legislation relating
to public administration reform needs to be implemented more fully.
"Positively, the reporting period
witnessed the adoption of several pieces of legislation designe
d to improve the efficiency and independence of the judiciary,
including the Law on the High Court, the Law on the Judicial Administration,
and amendments to the Criminal and Civil Codes. However more needs
to be done to strengthen the appointment processes of judges,
including transparency, and on disciplinary procedures against
lawyers.
"In the fight against organised
crime and corruption, the report assesses that there has been
an increase in the number of investigations and convictions, due
in part to increased co operation between relevant institutions.
But organised crime and corruption remain widespread problems
in Albania, and further efforts are needed, particularly around
enhancing capacity and ensuring the independence of institutions
from political pressure.
"Human rights and protection
of minorities. There has been uneven progress, with further
legislation on freedom of expression being adopted, but with legislation
on anti-discrimi nation either not being implemented (e.g. on
LGBT issues) or not yet in place (e.g. on Roma rights). Discrimination
against vulnerable groups such as the LGBT and Roma remains a
problem.
"Regional issues and international
obligations. Albania continues to play an active role in international
and regional organisations, and is working constructively with
neighbours on commercial initiative such as the Trans-Adriatic
Pipeline. A short-lived rise in nationalist rhetoric in late 2012
(around its 100 year anniversary) triggered concern in neighbouring
countries but has since died away.
"As regards the economic criteria,
Albania has maintained macroeconomic stability and inflation re
mained low, but growth is slowing. Public debt increased to 62%,
and unemployment remains high. The tax administration remains
inconsistent and weak.
"As regards Albania's ability
to take on the obligations of membership, there has been pro
gress in a number of areas, including public procurement, freedom
and security, customs, and statistics. However, there has been
little progress on intellectual and industrial property rights,
the energy sector, and environmental protection.
"The Government welcomes
the Commission's assessment of Albania's progress and agrees that,
while progress has been made in some areas, further efforts are
required, especially on the judiciary and tackling organised crime
and corruption. The Government also agrees that there must be
greater efforts around implementation of legislation across the
board. The Government will monitor progress on the remaining key
areas of concern before taking a final decision on Albania's readiness
for candidate status nearer the December GAC, based on all progress
up to that date. The Government will continue to urge Albania
to make the necessary progress and will support these efforts,
including through project work in support of the rule of law."
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