The co-chairs of the 20th meeting of the Albania-EU Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee, Taulant Balla and Marco Tarquinio, in a joint statement at the end of this meeting, emphasized the reforms that are still very necessary to bring Albania closer to the EU.
During the two days of the meeting held in Tirana, discussions were held regarding the reforms that are still very necessary to bring Albania closer to the EU, but also to consolidate the rule of law in the country, for the benefit of all its citizens.
In the joint statement of the Albania-EU delegations at the end of the meeting, the need for good legislation was agreed upon, as well as for its sustainable and intensified implementation.
The KPSA also welcomes Albania’s unwavering commitment to EU membership, which is essential for the country’s progress.
The statement notes that this commitment reflects the strong support of the citizens of Albania and the broad and commendable consensus among political forces, despite their vocal differences on other issues.
“We welcome the ambition to advance the membership negotiations, particularly the progress in opening a remarkable number of negotiating chapters over the past twelve months, with the expectation of opening the last remaining chapter before the end of the year,” the statement says.
Furthermore, the KPSA welcomed Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy, especially in its response to global challenges, and the positive impact of the country on regional stability and proactive engagement in regional cooperation initiatives, such as the Regional Common Market and the Berlin Process, which serve as vital steps towards EU integration.
“The European Parliament is ready to continue to assist the Assembly as Albania approaches full EU membership. In this context, we welcome the decision of the European Parliament to open its representation office for the Western Balkans in Tirana. We emphasize that this also constitutes recognition of the country’s achievements for membership, as well as the appreciation of the city as one of the most attractive and dynamic capitals in this part of Europe,” the statement says.
The KPSA also welcomed initiatives aimed at supporting the Assembly of Albania, its deputies, and parliamentary services, in strengthening parliamentary capacities and their role in the EU integration process.
“In this regard, we look forward to closely cooperating in the areas of dialogue, consensus, and capacity building for parliamentarians across the political spectrum, with a special emphasis on new deputies and the empowerment of women. We eagerly anticipate the next KPSA Albania-EU meeting, which will take place in Brussels or Strasbourg in the first half of next year,” concludes the joint statement.
The Committee meets twice a year: once in Tirana and once in Brussels or Strasbourg.
The members of the Committee (the Albanian side and the EU side) discuss topics related to the rule of law, corruption, alignment of foreign policy with that of the EU, and adopt recommendations. (October 29)
