Tags: EU | Albania | EU

Brussels Urges Albania to Complete a Judicial Reform Package

Thursday, 02 June 2016 05:18 AM EDT

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The European Union is urging Albania to complete a package of judicial reforms if it wants to launch full membership talks with the bloc.

Referencing Albania's upcoming appearance in soccer's European Championship in France, the EU's top official for enlargement Johannes Hahn, said in a statement Tuesday that "the coming days will be decisive whether Albania will advance in the Euro Championship or stays in the group stage."

The EU and the U.S. have helped Tirana draft the reform package, which is considered key to fighting corruption at all levels, especially the judiciary. Albania's Parliament is being pressured to pass the judicial reform bill by the end of the month in order to convince Brussels to authorize membership negotiations.

However, there are divisions within Parliament.

The Socialist-led governing coalition of Prime Minister Edi Rama does not have enough votes in the 140-seat Parliament to reach a two-thirds majority needed for some constitutional amendments in the package.

Despite regular visits from the EU and U.S. ambassadors, the main opposition Democratic Party of Lulzim Basha has resisted giving final approval to the draft.

Hahn urged all parties "to place the interest of their country and citizens above their individual interests and find compromises."

"A swift adoption of the reform and its consequent implementation is now key," said Hahn. "This would not only respond to the overwhelming public support in Albania for reforming the justice system but would also signal a clear commitment to European standards and European integration process."

Albania kicks off its appearance at the European Championship on June 11 against Switzerland. It's the country's first appearance in a major football competition.

© Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


Europe
The European Union is urging Albania to complete a package of judicial reforms if it wants to launch full membership talks with the bloc.Referencing Albania's upcoming appearance in soccer's European Championship in France, the EU's top official for enlargement Johannes...
EU,Albania,EU
274
2016-18-02
Thursday, 02 June 2016 05:18 AM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
 
TOP

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved