Memo: Key findings of the 2012 Progress Report on Albania

The Progress Report on Albania is part of the 2012 Enlargement Package adopted by the European Commission on 10 October. The European Commission concluded that Albania made good progress towards fulfilling the political criteria for membership of the EU, delivering a number of substantial reforms against the key priorities of the Commission's 2010 Opinion. In view of this, the European Commission recommends that Albania be granted EU candidate status, subject to completion of key measures in the areas of judicial and public administration reform1 and the revision of the parliamentary rules of procedures are revised. The Commission will also assess the further efforts of Albania in the fight against corruption and organised crime. In order to be able to move to the next stage and open accession negotiations, Albania will have in particular to demonstrate sustained implementation of commitments already undertaken and completion of the remaining key priorities which have not been met in full. The focus should be on the rule of law and fundamental rights. Sustainable political dialogue will remain essential for a successful reform process. The conduct of the 2013 parliamentary elections will be a crucial test in this regard and a pre-condition for any recommendation to open negotiations.