Thewesternbalkans
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has decided to close the monitoring procedure in respect of Albania and engage in a post-monitoring dialogue with the country.
In unanimously adopting a resolution, based on the report by Ionuţ-Marian Stroe, it stressed that “the protracted systemic political crisis in the country has recently started to subside”, and welcomed the reforms implemented, in particular the reform of the judiciary “with a view to assuring its genuine independence and the efficient administration of justice”, as well as the administrative territorial reform which has strengthened the efficacity of local self-government.
The adopted resolution also highlighted the adoption of a new legal framework for elections, “based on an inclusive process and broad consensus between the political stakeholders”.
Furthermore, the PACE noted significant progress made with regard to the fight against the still widespread and systemic corruption in Albania including the vetting of the judiciary.
However, PACE expressed concern about the continued polarization of the political environment, which undermines the country’s system of checks and balances and limits parliamentary oversight. It also deplored the lack of implementing legislation for the 2017 Law on the protection of national minorities, and the deterioration of the freedom of the media.
Comment: Albania became a member of the Council of Europe on 13 July 1995 and in conformity with the monitoring procedure, the PACE has assessed Albania’s progress with regard to the honouring of its obligations and commitments for 29 years.
After the decision of PACE to close the monitoring procedure, the country enters a new chapter of cooperation with the Council of Europe. Despite this success, the country still faces a number of challenges towards achieving the highest standards in human rights, rule of law, and democracy.
