Prime Minister Edi Rama paid a one-day visit to Brussels and chaired the 8th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between Albania and the European Union. Referees in this meeting were Vice President of the European Union Federica Mogherini, EU Enlargement Commissioner Hahn, Foreign Minister Bushati, Minister of Integration Gjosha and Chairwoman of the Integration Commission, Bregu.
Prime Minister Rama was received earlier in a separate meeting by Vice President Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn to talk about the progress of reforms undertaken by the Albanian government, with an emphasis on the implementation of justice reform and the coordination of efforts to ensure the European Commission’s recommendation for launching accession negotiations.
At the conclusion of the meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between Albania and the EU, Prime Minister Rama, Vice EU President Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn held a joint press conference:
EU Vice President Mogherini:
It has been really a pleasure for me to welcome you and all the delegation here in Brussels for what I found an excellent meeting we had today. First of all, we have commonly underlined that we both remain committed to Albania’s EU integration process. On the European Union’s side, this is a commitment that also translates into the determination to accompany and support this process and it is very clear to us, the European Union, that Albania remains firmly committed to its EU reforms agenda.
We have welcomed and commended the adoption last July of the constitutional amendments on the justice reform. One of the most important, if not the most important reform, carried out in the enlargement countries. This reform is a milestone on Albania’s EU path. I had the chance of saying at your Parliament a few months ago and obviously for me those words stay in my memory and also in the practice of our daily work.
We are convinced that this reform will be transformative for other areas too. It will contribute to creating a more predictable and transparent environment for business and investors. In this way, it will help us increase our economic relations that are already very intense, very good but, we believe, have still a potential that can be exploited.
It is for this reason that for the European Union it is so important that this priority, these reforms, started and also why we see that these reforms enjoy high level of popular support in the country. I believe Albanians see very well that it is in their interest and the interest of the country to move forward.
We believe that political parties have now the responsibility to ensure a swift implementation of the justice reform they, themselves, adopted by unanimity in Parliament, by approving now the relevant implementing legislations and by launching the procedures for the vetting process. And we are willing and ready to support Albania in the implementation phase.
Today, we also had the opportunity to discuss important steps forward on others issues, in particular other issues related to rule of law, starting from the fight against organised crime and corruption. And all these positive developments that we recognised, welcomed and commended will be reflected in the work ahead of us in the coming months, in particular in view of the upcoming progress report – not only these positive developments that have already taken place, but also the determination we have seen today to continue on the implementation of them.
Let me also say, two last points that are equally important for us. First of all that Albania is continuing to play a very important, constructive, regional role, promoting cooperation in the Western Balkans. This is something we appreciate a lot and that we encourage a lot and we discussed also the regional situation. I commended the full alignment of Albania on all foreign and security policy issues which is something that all EU Member States appreciate enormously.
We have good outcomes on our talks on the EU integration process, we have also good work that is ongoing on the foreign policy files, on the regional files. This is why I started by saying that today we had a really excellent meeting and Edi, and all your delegation, I would like to thank you very much for that.
Prime Minister Edi Rama:
Thank you very much Federica for your presence today!
It means a lot to us, because it shows your firm commitment to this very intensive collaboration, which you clearly underlined when you addressed our parliament.
Thank you Commissioner for your very important contribution in this very important moment of our country, which imposed my being here today at this meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council that confirmed the commitment by both the EU and Albania to move forward and to collaborate more closely in furtherance of major reforms that have already been undertaken.
I welcomed the acknowledgment by the European Union of the continued steady progress in terms of the 5 key priorities and in the very important support to justice reform. As said earlier, I want to express my confidence that, if the continued implementation of key reforms and mainly of the judicial reform constitutes a solid basis for the opening of accession talks, the reform that has already passed is a very solid basis to get the recommendation. I firmly believe that the welcoming by the SA Council, and the adoption in July of a set of constitutional amendments for a thorough and comprehensive reform of the justice system is a very important argument to move forward and give the recommendation for the country to prepare the opening of the accession talks.
As for the Council, I am very happy for the results of today’s meeting and also for the adoption of the law on the Vetting of judges and prosecutors a major step in the implementation of the justice reform. We fully agreed that it is essential to proceed with further swift for the implementation of the reform.
On the other hand, I very much appreciated that the EU also welcomed that Albania has taken further steps in the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as on the matter of human rights and the reform of the public administration. But we all know that justice reform is a solid basis for the opening of EU accession negotiations, and it will lay the ground for further work to be carried out in the framework of negotiations of chapters 23 and 24, and will have a transformative effect on the fight against organized crime and corruption.
And in the same time, I want to very clearly underline that to us it is crucial to have a positive recommendation and to prepare together, showing step by step in the implementation process that we are ready sooner more than later to open the accession talks.
The judicial reform is very important also because it is related to the implementation of the 5 key priorities for the opening of the accession negotiations. We expressed the commitment of the government to continue and make every possible effort to pursue the reform agenda in the spirit of cooperation. And it was also important to exchange views on developments in our region. The SA Council commended the proactive constructive role of Albania in maintaining and promoting regional stability, and welcomed the strengthening of the Albania’s commitment to continue and push for a constructive engagement in regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations.
At the end, again, not formally but wholeheartedly I want to thank Federica, Commissioner Hahn for the immense support they gave to Albania in the very important struggle to achieve the first major step of the judicial reform, which was a constitutional reform. I’m absolutely convinced that without their support, without the support of the EU, without the support of the US, we would not be here today to show this major achievement that makes us proud of what we have done, and also very confident about what we can do together in the near future.
Thank you!
Commissioner for Enlargement, Johannes Hahn:
Thank you!
I would like to start right where the Prime Minister concluded. It is important to understand that justice reform is an unbelievable achievement, but it is also important to understand that the main goal is not to come closer to the European Union, but to serve the Albanian citizens, to give them what they expect. More than 90% of Albanians have expected and demanded this comprehensive reform. The contribution of the European Union is an added value, and shows that when there is a good assistance, we can achieve a lot together, mainly in the interest of the Albanian citizens. Of course, it also serves the European aspirations of the country.
As we discussed in the Council today, we must understand that the judicial reform, the adoption of the necessary laws and amendments in the Constitution are a first step, and now it’s about the implementation. And we have to closely follow up the way it is implemented. This is also important. And we hope that the spirit of the July decision, when all members of the parliament voted the judiciary reforms, stays when it comes to the implementation. And, again, we will do everything on our site to support this spirit by giving the right comments, recommendations, ideas and thinking in order to achieve these goals, which are not only linked to the judicial reform but, as it was already said, to the other key priorities. I think everybody, especially Albanian politicians should use this momentum you have gained to continue to implement and make the necessary further steps, which will be appreciated by us.
The judiciary reform was expected by citizens because they expect also an improvement of their living conditions. This is possible because if you rely on the judiciary, you can attract foreign investors, and foreign investors will create jobs, will give an economic prospective. This is why it is very import ant for the development of the country.
Congratulations once again on everything you have achieved!
Q & A
Question to Commissioner Hahn: Can we expect by the first ten days of November an unconditional recommendation form the Commission for the opening of negotiations, or a conditioning one? And if it is a conditional one, on what? On the implementation of the judicial reform, on the reforms concerning the issue of parties financing the election? So, what will these conditions be, if there are any?
Commissioner Hahn:
First, we have taken note about the decision, and it will be reflected in our Progress Report on Albania. I think we have been pretty clear about our understanding, how we read this decision, but it is too premature to give a final statement. This is the task of our Progress Report, and you might understand that we need a lot of internal consultations in order to present a sound assessment in the interest of us all. But I think it was clear in the words of the High Representative and also mine that we are fully committed to make very positive steps forward, but also to understand when referring to this momentum that it must be maintained, and ensure that the judiciary reform not only exists on paper but also in reality.
Question to Ms Mogherini on the mood in the Council. Can Albania expect to start the negotiations before the coming elections?
EU Vice President Mogherini:
Well, I will not, for sure, prejudge discussions and decisions the Council will have to enter after a recommendation. There is a sequence here that we have to respect, not only for institutional duties but also for political wisdom, but I would say two things. One, the Council already last year stated and I think you have, or you will have in a moment, our joint press release that reflects this clearly, the Council already underlined that judicial reforms remain key to further forward movements on Albania’s EU accession process. This was the statement of the Council last year, so it is clear that as we share the fact that it was a key element, a milestone on the EU accession process of the country and that we welcomed and commended the fact that the process started during the summer with an impressive vote in Parliament, with an impressive vote on constitutional reform, this is quite clearly an indication of the political direction we are recognising. I cannot prejudge decisions of the Council, but I see that we defined as key the judicial reform and the judicial reform has started in an impressive way during the summer with an impressive political courage and determination if I can say so.
And this is the second thing I would say: I was addressing the Albanian Parliament in spring in a time when the issue was, let say, the object of a rather tense dispute exactly because not only was this a priority for the Union, but as we said, this was clearly a priority for the Albanian people and I think that all parties, all institutions in Albania showed at the end of the day the wisdom and the determination and the political courage to engage in a difficulty process with a unanimous vote. This is why I referred, a few minutes ago, to the responsibility that these same parties and these same institutions now have to fulfil the expectations that they have created with their people on the fact that the reforms will be implemented. If we will see the same level of determination and courage and coherence, consistency, I think we will continue on the extremely positive path that we have experienced in these last months. I have said clear words on the way ahead while I was addressing the Parliament; those words stay in my head, in my mind and also in my political work in the months ahead.
Question to Prime Minister Edi Rama. 3 years ago you were quite optimistic about Albania being part of the EU within 10 years. Is it still the case?
Prime Minister Rama:
I want to say a few words on this issue about conditions or no conditions. I do not think that there is life without conditions under the umbrella of the European Union. I want to remind you that a big country just left precisely because it felt too much conditioned. To us it doesn’t make any difference, because the recommendation is not the last station; it’s just a very strong signal that the country can continue to walk towards the last station, and during this walk we all know that every step is about conditions to be met, conditions to be respected, and conditions to live with.
As for my wish to become EU members in 10 years, I am sure we will, if the EU is there. But it may happen sooner. Anything can happen.
Mr Prime Minister, do you have a clear timetable for the electoral reform, as in Albania there are going to be general elections in 2017, and will these elections should be based on a new electoral code? And second, how is the process of decriminalization going on in Albania? Why mayors with criminal records like Roshi is still in office?
Question to Commissioner Hahn and the High Representative: Are you concerned about the level of corruption and organized crime in Albania? Today the International Transparency Report says that Albania has the highest level of corruption in the Balkan region. In addition, there is a growing concerning situation in the country about drugs. There is a report of the German and Italian intelligence saying that in Albania there 363 cannabis plantations, and according to the Albanian intelligence service some of them are protected by armed men, and that are also allegations that some cultivators might cooperate with inspectors of the police.
Prime Minister Rama:
First of all, there is no report of the Italian or German intelligence service about it, just to clarify. The fight against drugs is evolving early in the right direction. We are working very closely with the Italian police, and the data show that there is only progress in this direction. Again data show that the spread cultivation is not at all something new, but it’s a long story that is going slowly but steadily towards an end, year after year.
As for the electoral reform, we don’t have to pass in parliament a new code, but we simply have to amend the existing code based on the report of the OSCE / ODIHR mission from the last elections. We are ready to do so and will do so in an open and constructive dialogue with the opposition.
As for decriminalization, as you call it, I should simply say that the law has passed, the implementation is now in motion, and now it is about institutions that are by law responsible to implement it to deal with this process. The rule of law is such for everybody, so it is up to the institutions to decide about everyone. In Albania we have a saying: “The mountain got pregnant and a mouse was born”, which with regard to this law means that what seemed like a pregnant mountain was actually a mouse.
EU Vice president, Mogherini:
On organised crime, corruption, including the issue of drugs, obviously this is an issue that Albania has to tackle – it is not only Albania that has this issue to tackle and resolve. But what I see is a strong determination to do it, to tackle this and the work, as Prime Minister mentioned, is ongoing, so for sure it is an important issue, and for sure it is an important issue that we put in our common work, in our common efforts to improve the situation and this is extremely relevant, not only, and I would even say, not so much, for the EU accession process but mainly for Albania and the Albanian citizens who, as I mentioned, I think, have all the rights to live in a country that is free of this kind of experiences that have been very relevant in the past and we see the trends moving in the right direction.
Commissioner Hahn:
I think justice reform is very decisive, it’s the baseline, and it is not just about its approval, but especially about implementation. Therefore, we expect now decisive actions that will lead progressively to the establishment of a convincing track record of proactive investigations. After investigation, you have to proceed with prosecutions and convictions. And the results will be seen right here, because we have already seen some trials and some sentences, but mostly to small and middle-size fish, but I would expect that there are also some big fish around, and only then we can say that there is a first significant achievement in this sector. But it is not only Albania and the region; unfortunately this is a phenomenon we face everywhere. But in particular in Albania, we must see how justice reform will be implemented.
Question to Prime Minister Rama: According to you, why it is in the interest of the EU to being negotiations with Albania? What is the purpose of your visit?
Prime Minister Rama:
It was a time, some years ago when it was very important for the Balkans to be part of the EU, and not so obviously important for the EU to get the Balkans in. I think today it is as much important for the EU get the Balkans in, as it is for the Balkans to be part of the EU, for a very simple reason, which is key word of the EU public life: Security. A more secure and safer Europe has also to do with having the Balkans in, and not allowing that this area remains a grey zone where others can penetrate and take their part of the pie. So, strategically, the European Union needs the Balkans to be more secure and safer.
EU Vice President, Mogherini:
I would say three things: security, for sure, also because it is Europe, it is all countries bordering with European Union’s countries, it is inside the Union and outside the Union. So, security-wise, we need the stabilisation, the peace and reconciliation process to get rooted into the European Union’s framework. Seen from the EU’s interest, strategic interest, the security. Second, we share the same geography as we have seen extremely well last year during the refugee crisis. Sharing the same geography we also need to share some policies in order to manage what happens in the region, the geographical region we share. Third, but not less important for the European citizens, economy. The trade, investment links we have with the region, all of the Western Balkan countries, Albania in particular, is extremely important and the potential is still huge to be used to its full. So it will be, reciprocally, as we say, mutually beneficial, in all these three sectors, for sure, seen from the European citizens.
The eighth meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between Albania and the EU
Joint press conference
The Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) between Albania and the European Union held its eighth meeting on 8 September 2016.
The SA Council noted that the Commission report 2015 on Albania concluded that the country made further progress towards meeting the political criteria for membership and, overall, steady progress continued in the five key priorities for the opening of accession negotiations.
The SA Council noted the conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 15 December 2015, which recognised Albania’s continued commitment on the reform agenda. On that occasion, the Council underlined that judicial reform remained key to further forward movement on Albania’s EU accession process and could also be transformative for other reforms.
The SA Council confirmed that Albania maintained an overall sustained pace in the implementation of public administration reform measures. The EU welcomed the unanimous adoption in July of a set of constitutional amendments for a thorough and comprehensive reform of the justice system. The SA Council took note of the recent adoption of the law on the vetting of judges and prosecutors, which represents an important step forward for the implementation of the justice reform. It is essential to proceed with a swift implementation of the reform. The EU also welcomed that Albania took further steps in the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as on human rights matters.
The SA Council welcomed the continued active participation of Albania in regional initiatives and structures in South Eastern Europe and its good neighbourly relations and constructive regional stance. The EU acknowledged Albania’s role in the region as a pro-active and constructive partner, and underlined the importance of Albania’s commitment to a positive engagement in the region, including through the conclusion of bilateral conventions, and to further promoting regional cooperation. The EU reiterated that good neighbourly relations and regional stability are essential elements of the Stabilisation and Association process.
The SA Council welcomed the full alignment of Albania to Council decisions and in the field of Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama. The EU delegation was led by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini. The Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement negotiations, Johannes Hahn, represented the European Commission. The Albanian delegation included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, Minister for European Integration, Klajda Gjosha, and the Chair of the European Integration Committee of the Albanian Parliament, Majlinda Bregu, as representative of the opposition.
