After many unsuccsessful tries, Albania recieved today the European Union Candidate Status.
The EU General Affairs Council meeting Tuesday in Luxembourg agreed to grant EU candidate status to the Albanian country, subject to endorsement by EU heads of states at their summit on Friday in Brussels.
"This is a clear step forward in EU-Albania relations, reflecting the progress the country has made in European integration and in implementing the necessary reforms. Today's decision underlines the EU's continued and credible commitment to support Albania in its efforts towards this goal," said the Council in a statement.
Albania, however, still needs to meet key priorities, with particular focus on administration and judiciary reform, fight against corruption and organised crime and fundamental rights, it noted.
Albania, however, still needs to meet key priorities, with particular focus on administration and judiciary reform, fight against corruption and organised crime and fundamental rights, it noted.
Along with other Western Balkan countries, Albania was recognised as a potential country for EU membership in 2003. A Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) entered into force on 1 April 2009. In the same month, Albania submitted its application for EU membership.
The European Commission recommended that Albania be granted EU candidate status in October 2013.
Being recognised as an EU candidate country has a number of implications for Albania. It is an important political signal for Albania and its citizens, showing that the country is moving to the next phase of the European integration process.
The candidate status raises the relationship between Albania and the EU to a higher level. Albania will now receive invitations to EU Ministerial Council meetings open to candidate countries. Its access and cooperation with EU agencies will be easier.
.// Albania On Air
0 comments:
Post a Comment