EU delegation in Tirana quoted Commissioner Kos -- Albania, second post-Montenegro to meet standards

Through a Facebook post, the EU office in Tirana, while quoting the Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, says Albania has become the second candidate country after Montenegro, which has met the intermediate standards in the field of rule of law.

Commissioner Kos points out that this is a moment to celebrate, but even a moment to deepen reforms to include all political forces and civil society so that changes can really affect the lives of citizens.

“Albania has taken one of the most important steps so far on its road to the European Union.

It became the second candidate country, after Montenegro, to meet the intermediate standards for rule of law.

Member States have set the final goals for rule of law, fundamental rights, justice, the fight against corruption and organised crime.

That means Albania can now move towards closing chapters in its negotiations with the EU.

That's a great achievement. It is the result of more than a decade of hard work by Albania and its citizens.

Albania adopted laws on protecting fundamental rights and vulnerable groups. It strengthened the right to a regular legal process. Veting included hundreds of judges and prosecutors. New institutions of justice were established to reduce political influence on the justice system.

Albania also created SPAK, the Special Anti-Corruption Structura and Organised Crime. The SPAK has returned to the country's main anti-corruption institution and is today the most trusted institution in Albania.

It's a moment to celebrate. But there is also a moment for Albania to deepen reforms, include all political forces, listen to civil society and bring about changes that really affect people's daily lives.

A big step forward. And now, again at work,” said Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, which was quoted by the EU Office in Albania.