Hahn: Albania has met requirements for opening membership negotiations

Albania has met the requirements for opening membership negotiations, EU Commissioner for European Policy of Business and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said in an interview for the Austrian daily “Der Standard”.

Hahn praises the important steps Albania has made towards the European perspective, as well as the positive spirit that has spread to the region resolving the name issue between Greece and Macedonia.

Asked about the spirit that has spread to the region by the agreement between Macedonia and Greece Hahan replied that “currently has a shock in the region. The reason was our enlargement strategy, which opens up a perspective for all states. In Kosovo, a difficult agreement was reached on the border with Montenegro. Macedonia and Bulgaria signed a friendship agreement and also has open negotiations between Greece and Albania. There is a positive competition, where issues that might have been resolved long ago are being clarified. We are not euphoric, but the signals are positive, and the solution to the name issue has a regional significance of”.

Regarding the resistance France and the Netherlands are making in terms of the positive assessment the Commission has given for opening negotiations with Albania, Hahn emphasises that the <x0 process of reforming justice in Albania is in full development. Reform in justice is a priority in Albania. So from our point of view, Albania has met the requirements to begin the screening process. Based on this, analysis may be made regarding the opening stages of chapters”.

“I am confident that Albania, with the spirit coming from Macedonia's decision, can do the same. The possibility for reform is higher during negotiations. I'm confident France and Holland will see the glass half full of 148x1>, he stressed.

Asked whether European constitutional policy would be damaged if Albania was not valued for reform in justice only because some EU countries oppose enlargement, Hahn replied decisively: “absolutely yes”.

The best thing we have is our credibility. This is something private too, you lose it quickly, but you need a lot of time to get it back. Our credibility is part of our set of values. If we make a promise and the other side fulfills the conditions, then we have to respond according to expectations. If this does not happen, then it will affect other countries in the region”, the European commissioner stressed. / ATSH/