Superti: The rule of law issues, decisive on Albania’s path to the EU

The EU is committed to continuing to support Albania’s progress on its path towards EU membership. During a visit to Tirana, the Director at the European Commission for the Western Balkans, Valentina Superti, participated in a high-level meeting themed “Albania 2030 in the EU – the path of reforms,” at the invitation of the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Elisa Spiropali. She also discussed progress on interim standards within the framework of EU accession negotiations, including the Chair of the European Affairs Committee in Parliament, Jorida Tabaku, as well as representatives of civil society.

In her speech at the high-level meeting, Superti stated that “issues related to the rule of law determine and will continue to determine the path towards the EU.”

According to her, Albanian citizens are currently strongly supporting the European integration process.

Superti expressed that the process is a complex exercise and the rule of law is the theme that is at the core of the EU accession process.

“It will be important to keep in mind that the rule of law initiative must continue to contain a system for checks and balances. This is my second point, which is also important to consider that the justice reform has already been achieved and has been a cornerstone on your path towards the EU,” emphasized Superti.

Superti stated that “we need to consolidate and further build upon the justice reform, consolidating its successes, its achievements, and at the same time improve where necessary some issues such as access to the justice system, efficient and effective systems, resolution of judicial issues.”

Superti noted that “the rule of law is essential for the country to move forward and this is a topic that may seem very technical, but it is the part that relates to the benchmarks that have been set.”

She also touched on the achievements of recent months with Albania.

“We have been able to hold two intergovernmental conferences, one in October and one in December, and these intergovernmental conferences have paved the way for negotiations for EU accession related to group-chapter one, “Fundamentals,” which is very important, and in group-chapter 6, External Relations,” said Superti.

She stated that “another very good progress has been made on negotiations for the other group chapters, 2 and 3, and progress is also expected in these group chapters by 2025.” (April 7)