Following the 20th meeting of the Albania-EU Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee, co-chairs Taulant Balla and Marco Tarquinio issued a joint statement highlighting the crucial reforms needed to bring Albania closer to EU accession.
The two-day meeting in Tirana focused on the essential reforms for advancing Albania’s EU integration and strengthening the rule of law in the nation, benefiting all citizens.
The joint statement from the Albania-EU delegations emphasized the importance of effective legislation and its consistent, sustainable implementation.
The Committee expressed support for Albania’s steadfast commitment to EU membership, a vital factor for the nation’s development.
This commitment underscores the strong backing from Albanian citizens and the noteworthy consensus among political entities, despite differing opinions on various topics.
“We applaud the drive to advance membership negotiations, especially the progress in opening several negotiating chapters in the past year, with the hope of opening the final chapter by the year’s end,” the statement noted.
The Committee also acknowledged Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policies, particularly in addressing global challenges and its positive influence on regional stability, as well as active participation in regional cooperation initiatives like the Regional Common Market and the Berlin Process, which are essential for EU integration.
“The European Parliament is prepared to continue supporting the Assembly as Albania moves toward full EU membership. In this light, we welcome the European Parliament’s decision to establish a representation office for the Western Balkans in Tirana, recognizing the country’s achievements in its membership bid and acknowledging Tirana as one of the most appealing and vibrant capitals in this region of Europe,” the statement added.
The Committee also commended initiatives aimed at bolstering the Albanian Assembly, its representatives, and parliamentary services to enhance parliamentary capabilities and their role in the EU integration journey.
“We look forward to working closely in areas of dialogue, consensus, and capacity building for parliamentarians across the political spectrum, focusing on new deputies and empowering women. We anticipate the next KPSA Albania-EU meeting, scheduled for the first half of next year in Brussels or Strasbourg,” the joint statement concluded.
The Committee convenes biannually: once in Tirana and once in Brussels or Strasbourg.
Committee members discuss issues related to the rule of law, corruption, alignment of foreign policy with the EU, and adopt recommendations. (October 29)
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