Policy Forum: Beyond the candidate status – new approach towards EU accession

On 16 November 2012, EMA, in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) organized the forum “Beyond the candidate status – new approach towards EU accession”. The guest speakers in this forum were: Mr. Edmond Panariti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fatos Beja, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Ditmir Bushati, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration.

The forum was opened by the welcoming speech of Mr. Frank Hantke, Director of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung for Albania. After thanking the participants and congratulating the work done by EMA, Mr. Hantke focused on the actual critical situation in Albania considering it as a crucial one, belonging not only to the political elite but to the Albanian people as well. According to him,the problem lies on the difference between what is written in paper and what is reflected in reality. The main obstacle, which requires hard work, remains the implementation. Also, Mr. Hantke commented the European diplomats’ positions, and urged for a unified standing in regards to European integration. He stated that states aspiring to be members should not meet the Commission’s criterias superficially.

Further, Mr. Edmond Panariti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of European Integration process, unifying the political class in achieving one goal, Albania’s EU membership. Referring the Progress Report of 2012, Mr. Panariti highlighted government’s achievements in fulfilling the 12 priorities, especially in the areas of the war against corruption, the respect of human rights and the reestablishment of political dialogue. However, he called upon the political elite to reestablish the political dialogue and vote the three laws, which national importance. If the political elite will leave behind its personal interests, there will be no obstacles in obtaining the candidate status. Despite the increasing doubts about the success of EU due to globalization and financial crisis, the fact that 9 states are waiting to be part of iy is an indicator of success, said Mr. Panariti. European Union represents the unique model of collaboration and transformation — very well reflected in Western Balkan’s transformation.

Mr. Fatos Beja, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs, recalled the 15 November event, when the Parliament failed to adopt the three laws submitted by European Commission. He declared that such events diminish optimism and close the EU door. Further, Mr. Beja stressed the importance of 2013 elections. He made a call for competitive campaign within the limits of positive understanding of the common purpose.

Mr. Ditmir Bushati, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, posed the issue of Albania’s transformation from a transition society to a democratic one. Taking in consideration the European Commission comments, Mr. Bushati underlined that rule of law stands on the basis of the issue. According him, the adoption of the three laws is not a standard fulfillment. The elimination of corruption and organized crime, a demand required by many member states, is indeed a fulfillment of standard. Mr. Bushati presented the examples of Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria as success stories in the road of transformation towards rule of law.

Concluding, Mr. Gledis Gjipali, EMA’s Executive Director presented the results of the paper “Beyond the candidate status – new approach towards EU accession”. He elaborated the process of negotiation and the elements of the Enlargement Strategy, bringing them in simple words for the participants.

The forum was followed by a discussion session where participants brought questions related to the actual political situation in Albania.