EU welcomes Albania reform process

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Albania’s reform program was welcomed by the EU on Wednesday, but the Balkan country has further to go before membership, European foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said.

Mogherini's remarks came in a joint news conference with Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati.

Bushati and Mogherini were in Brussels at the ninth meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council between Albania and the EU.

Mogherini said the EU welcomed reforms seen in 2017 but Albania -- which has been a candidate country since June 2014 -- must meet outstanding conditions to open negotiations on full membership.

She said Albania’s reforms were the most important going on in any of the enlargement countries.

"The EU will provide support to Albania for the implementation of judicial reform, and we expect 2018 to provide a unique opportunity for the region and Albania.

“The EU integration process is irreversible. I am convinced that Albania can and will use the coming six months and furthermore make key steps towards European integration of the country," she added.

Bushati said that 2018 will be a decisive year for Albania.

"Reform in justice is a unique opportunity. We also discussed the results achieved in the fight against organized crime, and these results are also a common product with European law enforcement agencies.

“All this attests to our will. Our achievements are a solid basis for the country's future and in the framework of the negotiations."

A week ago Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking during a joint news conference with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn in Tirana, said the country deserved to see the start of EU membership negotiations.