Annex 2: extract from the 17 December
2013 General Affairs Council Conclusions on Albania:~
"ALBANIA
"36. In December 2012, with
a view to deciding whether to grant candidate status, the Council
invited the Commission to report as soon as the necessary progress
had been achieved, also taking into account the further action
taken by Albania to fight corruption and organised crime, including
by proactive investigations and prosecutions of such cases. In
this regard, the Council welcomes the adoption by Albania of the
relevant key judicial, public administration and parliamentary
reform measures with cross-party consensus as well as the successful
conduct of the parliamentary elections in June. The Council welcomes
the further action taken in the fight against corruption and organised
crime, the commitment of the new government and commends its intensified
efforts in these areas and encourages the authorities to maintain
this new momentum. The Council will examine, on the basis of a
report to be presented by the Commission, continued implementation
of anti-corruption and judicial reform strategies and of recently
adopted relevant legislation as well as a continued trend of pro-active
investigations and prosecutions, including in the area of organised
crime. In the light of this report, and on the understanding that
Albania continues to build on the encouraging progress made so
far, the Council looks forward to a decision regarding granting
candidate status to Albania in June 2014, subject to endorsement
by the European Council.
"37. In line with its 5 December
2011 conclusions, the Council notes that the opening of accession
negotiations will be considered by the European Council, in line
with established practice, once the Commission has assessed that
Albania has achieved the necessary degree of compliance with the
membership criteria. Further to the Commission's 2010 Opinion
and recalling the conditions set out in its 11 December 2012 conclusions,
the Council underlines that Albania will need to meet the key
priorities for the opening of accession negotiations. The Council
underlines in particular the need to intensify efforts in the
rule of law area, particularly reform of the judiciary, fight
against organised crime and corruption and protection of human
rights and anti-discrimination policies, including in the area
of minorities, and their equal treatment, and implementation of
property rights. Sustained implementation of reforms will also
be required. The Council welcomes the launch of a high level dialogue
on the key priorities.
"38. The Council underlines
that constructive and sustainable dialogue between the government
and the opposition on EU-related reforms will be vital in securing
Albania's EU future. It encourages the Albanian government to
pursue its policy aimed at improving economic governance and investment
climate. It welcomes Albania's continued constructive engagement
in regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, which
remains essential."
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