The Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy chaired by Mimi Kodheli held on Tuesday a hearing on the European Commission's report for Albania 2018 and the prospect of Albania's integration into the European Union. Present at the hearing was Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati.
"Justice Reform was the binding condition of the 2016 recommendation, and now, in 2018, it is highly praised by the EC as it impacts constitutional changes," Minister Bushati said.
Moreover, FM Bushati said that the European Commission commended the process of re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors and the fight against corruption for its good progress.
MEFA stressed that there is an uphill task for Albania, referring to the important decision to be taken in June, for which Albanian diplomacy is in constant contact with EU countries. "Member states will review the report and consider the enlargement strategy. We are in constant contact with all member states, and we don't think it will be an easy process. There is an uphill task lying ahead of us, especially with regard to the range of rights and obligations, but we defend the view about opening a new chapter that will enable Albania to undertake more reforms, improve standards and enable member states to positively influence the inward-looking developments in Albania," Bushati noted.
The minister also suggested that the government has no illusions that the opening of negotiations constitutes the solution of the problems. "This is not a process that concerns only the Rama government and the majority, but all Albanians, and I regret the absence of the DP in the committee. Our invitation remains open for cooperation and for every need we remain available," he said, pointing out the absence of the opposition which boycotted the meeting.
The Albanian head of diplomacy added that although crime and corruption remain a challenge, it doesn't justify the opposition's slurs about the government and reforms, even in meetings with internationals, hinting at the Dutch MPs' recent visit to Tirana.
Commenting on the June recommendation, FM Bushati said the EU decision should be unanimous in which each country has its own role. "We have been working since the beginning of the year with the member states, there are countries that have expressed openly their support, and there are also countries that require more information, time and persuasion to make a decision about Albania," he stated.
Minister Bushati emphasized that the Sofia summit will come to important conclusions on the process, whose key word will be connectivity with a view to improve the links with the Western Balkans and within the region. Regarding the negotiations with Greece, MEFA said the next round of talks will be held next week in Athens.