Borrell and Varhely in Tirana: Document with recommendations

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Joseph Borrell, will visit Albania tomorrow.

During these visits, Borrell will also be accompanied by Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhely.

Those in Tirana will meet with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, have meetings and with youth representatives while participating in the inauguration of the Venice Tower in Durres, whose restoration is financed by EU funds.

The Stabilisation and Association Council will also take place in Tirana, where the EU and Albania analyse developments under this agreement. Euronews Albania has unveiled the document with recommendations the EU is expected to present to Albania at this meeting.

The document stresses that:

The 1-nation continued efforts to improve democracy and rule of law, despite challenges. The EU recalls that the proper functioning and independence of democratic institutions are essential elements of a functioning democracy and a key condition for EU membership.

Noting that the political environment remained marked by strong polarisation, The EU also remembers that comprehensive and constructive political dialogue in the country remains crucial to further advancement. Moreover, the EU stresses the need to ensure transparency in policy-making, inclusion of consulting processes and effective communication of the negotiations process.

EU encourages Albanian authorities to continue tracking all aspects covered by O's findings and recommendations SBE/ The ODIHR and the Venice Commission, especially with the aim of the upcoming elections and further improve the transparency of the financing of political parties.

2 The EU recalls that reform in justice is crucial to strengthening the rule of law, through consolidating a fully independent, impartial, responsible, efficient and professional judiciary.

Reform in justice, including the continuation, implementation of the property process, remains essential. The EU welcomes continued functioning of the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court.

The EU positively notes that the latest appointments to the Constitutional Court marked the fulfillment of all Dutch countries in the Court, thus further boosting the court's ability to carry out its mandate. The EU welcomes the new judicial map that has been adopted after consultations to address the negative impact of long procedures, the large number of non-examination cases, and encourages rapid and solid implementation in line with the principles of access to justice and transparency.

The EU emphasises the importance of progress in appointing and promoting new magistrates to complement the hot spots behind the property.

The EU also welcomes the parties' broad political support for extending the timeline of constitutional term of property organs, and encourages authorities to ensure regular completion of the process in the shortest possible time.

3. Fighting corruption remains one of the most sensitive issues.

The EU recognises the ongoing efforts made in the history of investigations, prosecutions and final sentences in the fight against corruption, but re-exemplifies that increasing the number of final sentences of high-level officials remains an important priority. Albania must ensure this

SPAK to further address high-level corruption, increase staff and resources

The EU estimates that the Court has handed down several final decisions for officials in top positions, state officials, including investigations concerning judges and prosecutors dismissed as a result of the property and underscores that implementing the court's formal form decisions remains essential.

4-Emigration another concern for the European Union, which threatens and with visa returns

The EU notes irregular migration continues to be the main challenge in the region, stressing the importance of fighting smuggling and trafficking of migrants in human beings.

The EU notes that the number of asylum applications by Albanians has increased to 2021 and 2022, which requires continued and sustained efforts in close co-operation with the member states of destination, including addressing the phenomenon of unaccompanied minors.

The EU calls on Albania to take further measures to address the issue effectively, migration, including addressing its fundamental reasons, improving border controls and organising further awareness campaigns for rights and visa-free travel obligations.

The EU will continue to monitor the issue, including in the context of the visa suspension mechanism.

5 - The EU recalls that fighting organised crime remains a key priority for Albania.

The EU calls on Albania to intensify the fight against drug trafficking. The EU notes good progress in sequencing, freezing and seizures of assets, and urges Albania to continue efforts in this area. The EU calls on Albanian authorities to ensure that financial investigations are systematic to accompany criminal proceedings at the outset and to increase the capacity of police and prosecutors in this respect. The EU stresses that despite some advances in 2021, the number of money laundering sentences remains low.

6. The EU's concern is addressed and in producing ID documents. The document says:

The EU stresses the need for Albania to ensure international standards is respected for regulating the production of secure identification documents, including in terms of personal data protection.

7. The EU notes much of the economy remains informal and urges Albania to continue its co-ordinated efforts to make co-ordinated progress in addressing this.