Justice Key to Albania's Road to Membership

Albania passed another key phase Tuesday on the road to the European Union. The 8th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU confirmed the fulfillment of the intermediate targets for group “Themelreal”, including justice, fundamental rights, security and the functioning of democratic institutions.

But along with estimates of progress in justice reform and the fight against corruption, the European Union gave the clear message that the most difficult phase begins now -- that of implementing reforms.

At the conference in Brussels, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos described justice reform as one of the key elements of progress in negotiations. It praised the process of vetoing and the establishment of the Special Framework Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK.

We have seen the veto of hundreds of judges and prosecutors. We have seen the establishment of SPAK, which is the flagist anti-corruption institution that has proven that it can produce results and that it can become the most reliable institution in Albania” Kos said.

The European Commissioner stressed that meeting the intermediate goals is not the end of the process, but entering a phase where concrete and sustainable results are required.

“As conditions are met, this is the moment to intensify the work. Further progress is expected” commissioner said. More than 95% of Albanians support your EU membership. We've got a long way ahead, but it's going to be here real soon.

“The latest start of” for negotiations

Prime Minister Edi Rama named the 8th Intergovernmental Conference as another “specified kiloometric” in Albania's European integration process. At the joint conference with European Commissioner Marta Kos and EU Council presidency representative Marilena Raouna, Rama said Albania has managed to open all negotiating chapters within 11 months, a pace he called a record.

You need to see and learn from Albania's love for the EU, endless love, unconditionally. So we feel energized, encouraged, but also with more responsibilities, because we know it's not the end, it's just the beginning of the end” the prime minister said.

Rama added that progress in negotiations is directly linked to transforming institutions and the justice system in the country.

Today we received confirmation of institutions much stronger than a year ago. A system of powerful and independent justice as never before in our country's history” Rama said.

Ambassadors to Tirana: Justice Sets Way to the EU

From Tirana, German Ambassador Carl Bergner welcomed the fulfillment of the intermediate goals in the group “precious”, naming it an important step in Albania's EU membership process.

“A strong legal state, the protection of fundamental rights and a pluralistic democracy are the essence of European values. Therefore, steps forward in the launch of “Fundmentals” determine Albania's speed along the path towards the EU” ) stated Ambassador Berger, as he added that Germany strongly supports the country's membership in the European Union.

Dutch Ambassador Reinout Voss said that the adoption of intermediate targets marks a starting point for the next phase of reforms.

“Respect for the independence of the judiciary and unhindered efforts against corruption, including high-level cases, are non-negotiable preconditions for Albania's progress in the EU membership process” said in the Dutch ambassador's response.

Albania applied for EU membership in April 2009 and was granted candidate country status in June 2014. The EU held its first intergovernmental conference with Albania in July 2022. / DW