Albania: Potential to move higher up in the enlargement process

04/05/2012Commissioner Füle visited Albania on 3 May to encourage the country to continue implementing the reforms needed for progress towards the EU. He had meetings with President of the Republic Mr Bamir Topi, Prime Minister Mr Sali Berisha, opposition Socialist Party leader Mr Edi Rama, Parliament Speaker Ms. Jozefina Topalli, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Edmond Haxhinasto, Minister for European Integration Ms. Majlinda Bregu, Minister of Justice Mr. Eduard Halimi and Minister of Interior Mr. Bujar Nishani. He also delivered a speech to the Albanian Parliament and met the Ombudsman Mr. Igli Totozani. Commissioner Füle said Albania's EU perspective was real provided the country delivers credible and sustainable results on EU-related reforms, particularly as regards the 12 key priorities of the Opinion. He stressed the need for Albania's EU integration agenda to become the national agenda and an inclusive process, for the government, opposition and civil socie

EU supports historic step in regional cooperation between Western Balkan countries on refugees and displaced persons

24/04/2012A Conference on housing solutions for refugees and displaced persons was organised in Sarajevo on 24 April to underline the international community's firm support to close the refugee chapter across the region. On the occasion, the international donor community has pledged € 261 million in support of the Regional Housing Programme, with the overall EU pledge reaching € 230 million. The conference was chaired by Mr. Damir Ljubić – Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina and introductory speeches held by Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General of the OSCE, Mr. Joost Korte, Deputy Director-General at DG ELARG and Mr. David Robinson, Acting Assistant Secretary of State of the US. Commissioner Štefan Füle also attended the event and delivered

Commissioner Füle met with Albanian Minister of European Integration

22/02/2012Under the campaign slogan ‘So similar, so different, so European’, a new video clip produced by the European Commission encourages the viewer to challenge their perception of the countries of Southeast Europe that are hoping to join the EU. The video forms part of a wider campaign that aims at raising awareness and showing another side of the region.  In addition to the video clip, a well-stocked and up-to-date media corner featuring additional photographic and video coverage is made available for journalists.

EU reinstates trade preferences for the Western Balkans until 2015

30/12/2011The European Union re-established the exceptional autonomous trade preferences on 30 December, which it grants to all Western Balkan countries including Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/1999, until the end of 2015. Western Balkan economies will therefore continue as of 1 January 2011 to benefit from an unlimited duty-free access to the EU market for nearly all products originating in these countries and territories. Together with the bilateral Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs) in place with all Western Balkan countries except Kosovo, these trade preferences support economic integration with the EU and hence foster political stability and economic progress in the entire region. The autonomous trade preferences should allow all Western Balkan countries to further benefit from the preferential trade regime, where this is more beneficial than the treatment foreseen in the SAAs.

Albania: inclusion of Roma and Egyptian communities

22/12/2011On 15 December, the European Commission, the EU Delegation to Albania and Albania's Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, with the support of the Ministry of European Integration, held a seminar in Tirana on the inclusion of Roma and Egyptian communities, in the context of Albania’s integration with the EU.
This seminar was the last one in a series of similar events organised in the Western Balkans region. The main objective was to bring together representatives of the Albanian national and local governments, non-governmental organisations and international actors to discuss challenges to the effective inclusion of Roma and Egyptian persons in Albania and to identify potential solutions. The themes covered were: civil registration, education, social and health care, vocational training, employment, housing and infrastructure.
The seminar will lead to the drafting of operational conclusions to be implemented by the Albanian authorities and will be foll

EU continues to assist the enlargement countries through a revised Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA)

07/12/2011

A proposal for a revised Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) was adopted today by the European Commission, building on positive experience from the current assistance. The total amount proposed is €14,110 million over the period 2014-2020. The objectives of the revised assistance are to better translate political priorities into key actions, focusing on specific policy areas. The needs of the beneficiaries will be more closely addressed and the administrative burden reduced. The assistance will be more coherent, more effective and will help leverage more investments. Through IPA, the EU will continue to assist the enlargement countries in implementing the comprehensive reforms needed for future membership. Emphasis is put on regional cooperation, implementation of EU laws and standards, and building the capacity to manage the Union's internal policies upon access

Statement of Commissioner Štefan Füle on the political agreement in Albania

17/11/2011"I welcome the adoption today by the Albanian Parliament, with cross-party consensus, of the decision to establish a parliamentary committee on electoral reform and of two laws requiring a reinforced three fifths majority vote. I would also like to welcome the decision by the Conference of Chairpersons, taken on Monday 14 November, to establish a Parliamentary working group on reform of its rules of procedure, and a calendar for the review and adoption of the three fifths majority laws. These developments, together with the resumption of full parliamentary work in September, constitute decisive steps towards the normalisation of political relations in the country and are expected to mark the end of the political stalemate. These are important elements of Albania's renewed efforts to move ahead on key reforms and to fulfill th

EU earmarks €5.5 billion for reforms in the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland

13/07/2011The European Commission has finalised its plans for financial support for ongoing reforms in the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland for the period of 2011–2013. The plans, called Multi-Annual Indicative Planning Documents (MIPDs), outline a revised strategy for funding under the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA) and will focus on areas such as reform of the judiciary and public administration, regional cooperation, fight against organised crime and corruption. "The funds should act as a catalyst to drive forward reform in the enlargement countries and support the countries along their path of European integration. The EU assistance will also directly impact upon the daily lives of citizens by contributing to improved rule of law, governance, social conditions and economic prospects, particularly important as a nu

New strategy for transport links with enlargement area and beyond

07/07/2011The European Commission launched on 7 July the new Neighbourhood Transport Action Plan to strengthen transport links with neighbouring regions to the East and South of of the EU. This roadmap has concrete measures and actions to achieve Commission's goals in the field of transport, in partnerships with the countries and societies both within and beyond the enlargement area. The roadmap will also contribute to improved mobility and connections within the region, thereby supporting macro-regional strategies such as the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

Beyond 2013: integrated pre-accession assistance

30/06/2011

The European Commission presented today its financial priorities for the years 2014-2020. The proposal sets aside 12.5 billion* for the EU enlargement policy, allowing for a continuation of the current levels of support for candidate and potential candidate countries. Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle said: "The Commission's proposal to maintain the current levels of pre-accession assistance will allow the EU to continue strong support for our partners' efforts to prepare for accession and advance their reforms. This will ultimately benefit all of us through greater security and prosperity". More -->

Joint statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on Albania

25/05/2011"[...]We take note of yesterday's publication by the CEC of results of the mayoral election in Tirana. However we also note that the legal soundness of the decision of the CEC to count the so-called misplaced ballots is a matter of concern. The country's interest and the continuation of European integration should prevail ahead of party interests. The political leaders should live up to the European and democratic aspirations of the Albanian citizens", stated High Representative/Vice President Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Füle on 24 May.

Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Füle start the second leg of the regional visit

19/05/2011Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Füle start the second leg of their regional visit to the Western Balkans on 19 May. During the visit they will meet with the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99, as well as civil society representatives to stress the Commission’s support to their European perspective and to encourage further necessary reforms. President Barroso has decided to postpone his visit to Albania until the political situation has normalised. "The countries of South Eastern Europe belong in the European Union. Enlargement remains a powerful tool for deepening democracy, the rule of law, security and prosperity in Europe", said President Barroso prior to the visit. "But it is the leaders and people of the region who hold the key to the pace and the timing of their own European future. I will therefore encourage our partners to speed up their reforms and tackle the outstanding challenges and conditions with renewed vigour."

Putting freedom of expression at the heart of the accession process

12/05/2011''The European Commission will accept no deviation on the part of candidate countries from European Union standards on freedom of expression and the media'', Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle said in his speech at the Speak Up! Freedom of Expression and Media Conference in Brussels on 6 May. ''In the Western Balkans and Turkey, freedom of expression and the media are under threat. Too often, journalists have either been murdered or violently attacked," said the Commissioner, adding that he would put these issues at the heart of the accession process.

Commission to host a high level international conference on the issue of freedom of media

03/05/2011The European Commission will host on 6 May a high-level international conference entitled "Speak Up!" , in order to promote and emphasize the crucial importance of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. This event will bring together more than 400 participants who will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and point to possible ways that their situation could be improved. "Today, on the occasion the World Freedom of Press day, let me reiterate that freedom of expression and media is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions – it is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function", stated Commissioner Füle on 3 May.

Operations of preferential trade to become easier between the European Union, the partners of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans

26/04/2011The Council has decided to launch the process of signing the regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin on 15 April. This Convention intends to ease the operation of preferential trade between the European Union, the partners of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans. Commissioner Štefan Füle said on this occasion: "This may seem a very technical matter, but in reality this opens the door to a simplification of the way the EU can trade with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans. It will help to develop growth and economic prosperity for the region and will facilitate regional integration, thus contributing to the overall stability of the whole region."

European Commission to host a conference on freedom of expression and media

15/04/2011European Commission will host a high-level international conference "Speak Up !" on 6 May, in order to promote and emphasize the crucial importance of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. On 14 April, three weeks ahead of the conference, Commissioner Štefan Füle met with journalists from the region to discuss the current situation with regard to freedom of expression and media. The meeting offered journalists an opportunity to voice their concerns and point to possible ways that their situation could be improved. On this occasion, Mr Füle said "Freedom of expression is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions – it is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function."

Western Balkans – towards a more integrated Europe

14/04/2011

"The enlargement process is not just about ticking boxes, it is about a transformational agenda which impacts the entire structure of a country. Each of these countries holds its European future in its hands. And the pace of its accession process depends on its progress on key reforms. They have to deliver on their commitments. This calls for strong ownership and strong leadership. This calls for mutual respect and a willingness to work together", stated European Commission President José Manuel Barroso on 14 April at the Joint Parliamentary Meeting in Brussels.

Support for projects worth over €6 billion approved

07/04/2011The first annual report of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) was published on 25 March, detailing the new aid framework's contribution to economic development in the Western Balkans. An initiative of the European Union, it has resulted in international donors and financial institutions approving support for 73 projects worth over €6 billion in 2010. Commissioner Štefan Füle noted on this occasion: "In its first year, the WBIF has shown us an outstanding example of the role played by the European Union and the enlargement process in the region: helping to build roads, schools, water treatment plants. I appreciated cooperation with EIB and EBRD.” The WBIF was introduced as a regional tool for EU Enlargement and it aims to enhance harmonisation and co-operation in investments for the Western Balkans' socio-economic development.

Commission outlines its Framework for Roma integration

05/04/2011The European Commission outlined its "EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020" on 5 April. Roma in enlargement countries face similar or even more serious problems than in many EU Member States: social exclusion, segregation and marginalisation, lack of education, chronic unemployment and widespread poverty. Lessons learned from past accessions suggest that promoting Roma integration requires an enhanced political commitment to Roma inclusion, the allocation of appropriate resources under the national budgets and a systematic evaluation and reinforced monitoring. Against this background, DG Enlargement, in cooperation with the relevant governments, is organising national Roma conferences in the region with the aim to review national strategies and action plans in terms of policy and programming.

Commissioner Štefan Füle visits Albania

31/03/2011On 30 March Commissioner Štefan Füle visited Albania to provide feedback by the European Commission on the Action Plan prepared by the Albanian Government to address the key priorities of the Opinion. The Commissioner held meetings with Albanian President Bamir Topi, Prime Minister Sali Berisha and the Chair of the Socialist Party Edi Rama. Presenting the conclusions of the two-day meeting in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Haxhinasto, Commissioner Füle commended the good organization, inclusiveness, and good spirit of the seminar. He underlined the historical opportunity to move ahead with European integration, mobilising national capacities and sharing responsibility among all Albanian stakeholders.

Launch of the European Union Youth Orchestra's Spring Tour 2011

15/03/2011On 15 March Commissioner Štefan Fϋle hosted a press conference to announce the 2011 Spring tour of the European Union Youth Orchestra. "[...]By including for the first time two pre-accession countries from the Western Balkans, Croatia and Serbia namely, in its tour this year, the orchestra delivers a powerful signal, similar to the work we all do together for a larger, stronger, united Europe. Just like this orchestra, enlargement has been successful in the past and can be a success in the future, making the EU not only bigger, but politically and economically stronger bringing peace, stability and prosperity for the new members", stated Commissioner Füle on the occasion.

EU supports the upgrade of border services in Albania

08/02/2011Strengthening the border controls in Albania is an essential tool in the fight against organised crime, corruption and illegal migration. The EU funded project "EU Training package" that was handed over to the Albanian State Police and Custom services will support the upgrade of border services to EU standards and the implementation of the integrated border management strategy. The total cost of the project is over €6 million. During 2010 the EU provided €93 million of assistance to Albania.

European young journalists receive award for articles on EU enlargement

31/08/2009National winners of the European Young Journalist Award 2009 will visit Berlin for the winners' trip and final conference in celebration of their success and at the same time look back at the past 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The European Young Journalist Award is organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement in cooperation with the European Youth Press and Café Babel, and is one the largest pan-European competitions of its kind. The competition was open to young writers aged 17-35 from the EU member states as well as from candidate countries and potential candidates and attracted more than 600 articles.

EU approves budget support for Serbia and the financial crisis package for the Western Balkans and T

31/07/2009On 31 July the European Commission has granted €100 million to Serbia as general budget support to help with the stabilisation of the country and ease the economic and social consequences of the financial crisis. The Commission has also approved a substantial package to assist acceding countries to tackle the current economic difficulties. The €85 million grant finance from the European Commission is part of the overall Crisis Response Package for the Western Balkans that should total €150 million in Commission grants and €600 million in loans from partner International Financial Institutions, such as the European Investment Bank and the EBRD

The Commission proposes visa-free travel for citizens of three Western Balkan states

15/07/2009The European Commission proposed on 15 July that citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro be able to travel to Schengen countries without visas from 1 January 2010. Once the proposal is approved, citizens of the three countries will in future only need a valid biometric passport to enter the Schengen countries, which include all EU members except the UK and Ireland, as well as Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. Granting visa free travel is a cornerstone of the EU's integration policy for the Western Balkans. Facilitating people to people contacts enhances business opportunities and gives the possibility for the people of the region to get to know the EU better.

Adoption of Recommendations on Visa Free Travel for Western Balkans

08/07/2009On 15 July, the European Commission will adopt a series of recommendations within a proposal for granting visa liberalisation to the Western Balkan countries. The submission of the proposal to EU Member States aims at enabling the citizens to travel without visas to the countries of the Schengen Area and confirms the European Commission's long-standing commitment to visa-free travel. Citizens of those countries benefiting of the visa-free regime will no longer have to go through the often time-consuming procedures that a visa application entails. Easier travelling to the EU can greatly contribute to the process of Balkan countries integration in the European Union.

Statement by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn on the Albanian elections

30/06/2009I take note of the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary conclusions stating that tangible progress has been made in some areas. However, these improvements were overshadowed by the politicization of technical aspects of the election process as well by violence during the election campaign. The Election Day was overall calm and peaceful. There were also slight improvements concerning the voting process although some procedural violations were observed. more>>

400 cyclists from all over Europe celebrate with citizens of Belgrade the end of the Danube by bike

29/06/2009Danube by Bike Tour closing event in Belgrade: 400 cyclists from all over Europe celebrate with citizens of Belgrade on the banks of the Danube. The event marked the end and highlight of a 5-day trip along the Danube for participants from 25 European countries. The tour was organised and sponsored by the European Commission's Directorate General for Enlargement in cooperation with the European Cyclist Federation and was open to anyone who likes cycling, cares about the environment and wants to make new friends throughout Europe. Visit the photo gallery of the tour http://www.danubebybike.eu/

“Discover Europe in Motion”: Start of the Danube by Bike Tour 2009

23/06/2009Around 400 cycling enthusiasts from all over Europe (the EU member states, the Western Balkans and Turkey) are coming together today in Budapest and Bucharest to start the first European bike tour along the river Danube, a cycling event that will last from 23 to 27 June 2009. Organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the European Cyclists’ Federation, this event will give participants an opportunity to cycle through five Danube countries, experiencing the beauty of one of the most important rivers in Europe.

Launch of the IPA 2007 cross-border programme with Albania

17/06/2009On 2 June 2009, the IPA 2007 Cross-border Programme with the Republic of Albania was officially launched in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at the press conference with Erwan Fouéré, the Head of the EC Delegation and the Minister of Local Self-Government Musa Xhaferri. The programme between the two countries will promote sustainable development in the border area. The joint actions and supported projects will have an impact on the social and economic situation of the population, improve the joint management and promotion of human, natural and cultural resources and strengthen the image and the cohesion of the area.

Generating solutions for issues relating to ownership in Albania

13/02/2009Government bodies, donor agencies and international property experts gathered in Tirana on 5 February to an EU sponsored seminar aimed at generating solutions for the main issues relating to ownership in the Albanian legal system, namely property registration, restitution and compensation, and legalisation. Referring to the significance of the issue of property rights for Albania, the Head of the European Commission's Delegation to Albania, Ambassador Helmuth Lohan noted that "…Clear property titles and legal security are essential prerequisites for a prosperous development of the country, the attraction of foreign direct investment, social peace as well as for the country's European integration process."

European Commission adopts the National Programme for Albania

12/01/2009The European Commission adopted the National Programme for Albania under the IPA-Transition Assistance and Institution Building component in 2008. Under this programme, the European Community will provide Albania financial assistance up to € 60.917 million euros to support its progress in key issues, such as public administration reform and rule of law enforcement, in particular as regards good governance and anti-corruption measures.. The Community contribution represents 90.69% of the total budget (ca. € 67.2 million) allocated to this programme. Other donors and Albania itself will provide co-financing for 9 out of 24 projects.

The Commission's Recovery Plan shows EU's solidarity with the candidate and potential candidates

27/11/2008In the European Commission's comprehensive plan to drive Europe's recovery from the current economic crisis, the EU's solidarity is also extended to the candidate and potential candidates. The Commission continues to support the economic and social consolidation of the candidate countries and the Western Balkans in the mutual interest of the EU and the region. To this end, the Commission will put in place a € 120 million "Crisis Response Package" aimed at supporting economic development and leveraging an amount of € 500 million in loans from international financial institutions.

EU-funded project launched to help the Albanian general prosecutor’s office

25/11/2008A European Union funded project named "Support to the general prosecutor's office to undertake inspection and evaluation of prosecutors" has been launched in Tirana. The project of a total funding of €800,000 takes the form of a twinning bringing together the Albanian general prosecution office (GPO), the Spanish general prosecutor’s office and the Italian high council of judiciary. It will assist the Albanian GPO in improving its professional management systems and working practices in order to increase efficiency, transparency and fairness.

EU Enlargement updated strategy and progress reports available on line

05/11/2008The Commission's annual strategy document explaining its policy on EU enlargement has been adopted and become available on line. The document includes a summary of the progress made over the last twelve months by each candidate and potential candidate: Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo (under UN Security Council Resolution 1244). In addition, the 2008 progress reports were published, where the Commission services monitor and assess the achievements of each of the candidate and potential candidates over the last year. Further information is available at the special page dedicated to the 2008 Enlargement "package".