Consensus sought on integration

TIRANA, Sept. 29 – EU’s top enlargement official has urged Albania’s political leader to work together to address key tasks needed to move forward Albania’s EU integration bid, as political bickering between the opposition and governing parties continued at events aimed to promote Albania’s integration in the 28-member bloc.
Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule visited Tirana on Monday for the fourth round of the High Level Dialogue on Key Priorities which he co-chaired with Prime Minister Edi Rama. It marked Fule’s eighth and last visit to Albania under his current role,
Fule remains in the post until next month as a new EU leadership takes over following the May parliamentary elections.
He said at a press conference in Tirana that the road toward Europe needs political compromise, lack of which continues in Albania, where political parties often use integration hearings for short-term political gains.
Fule said he is convinced of Albania’s European perspective and the need to continue with reforms in inclusive way and make them irreversible and also of the importance of compromise and constructive political dialogue within democratic institutions.
The High Level Dialogue on Key Priorities was another confirmation of EU’s commitment to working with Albania to ensure that the reform momentum continues and leads to the next stage in Albania’s integration process – opening of accession negotiations, officials said.
No clear date was given as to when Albania can open negotiations. During the talks they were focused on Albania’s plans to implement the key priorities necessary for the opening of accession negotiations.
EU pays close attention to the country’s developments to the rule of law, which remains a key issue, Fule said.
“I call on the government and opposition to work together constructively in a spirit of compromise to make it happen,” Fule said.
He also urged politicians in the country to continue the work on the establishment of the National Council for European Integration “so that it can channel the energies of all stakeholders, including civil society, into the reform process.”
The establishment of the council has caused some controversy in Tirana as the opposition Democrats say that council is useless and they should hold its leadership as they already have it at the parliamentary integration commission.
Fule also mentioned Pope Francis’ visit which “saw Albania united around the cause of religious tolerance and inter-faith respect.”
“This should set the example for political forces to look at the big picture and focus their efforts on the common objective of Albania’s European integration. Because there will be only one winner at the end of that process – Albania and its people,” he said.
During the talks it was stressed again that “Albania continues delivering results under the key priorities that have been identified for the opening of accession negotiations.”
But the Commissioner repeated the importance of strengthening the independence, accountability and efficiency of the judiciary which is “key for sustaining the rule of law in the country and for delivering a track record in fighting organized crime and corruption.”
The joint statement, conclusions also noted the importance of the political compromise.
“The Albanian side confirmed its commitment to a constructive and sustainable political dialogue between the government and opposition which is vital for the sustainability of the reform process.”