Statement of Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle on Albania
Brussels (2nd March) – "I have taken note of the decision of the ruling majority to hold a referendum on the approval of the two draft laws and the parliamentary rules of procedure required for granting Albania the candidate status.
I have been repeatedly stressing that the laws, and in particular the rules of procedures, need to be approved through consensus between the opposition and government and therefore it is difficult to understand this decisions that goes against the spirit of inclusiveness.
Opting for a referendum in this case is not the way how the cross-party consensus is being built. It cannot be a way to bypass the lack of dialogue and constructive cooperation between the government and opposition on the EU agenda. It is not the way to meet the necessary requirements.
I have underlined on various occasions that Albania's process of EU-related reforms needs to be sustainable, self-motivated and consensus-driven. Only a constructive political dialogue can move the necessary reforms forward.
I strongly encourage all Albanian politicians to find an agreement on how to proceed with the completion of the key measures, which are essential for Albania's candidate status."