BETA


2010/2611(RSP) Resolution on Albania

Progress: Procedure completed

Legal Basis:
RoP 132-p2

Events

2010/11/29
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2010/07/08
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2010/07/08
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 567 to 47 with 19 abstentions a resolution tabled on the Committee on Foreign Affairs on Albania. It confirms its full support for Albania's application for EU membership (and for future EU membership for all the other Western Balkan countries), once it has achieved a certain level of political stability and reliability and fully meets the Copenhagen criteria. Members acknowledge the progress achieved by Albania in the context of the reform process, but underline the need for further substantial efforts , which are necessary both to consolidate democracy and the rule of law and to ensure the country's sustainable development. They stress that a candidate country's progress towards EU membership depends on its ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria, including the existence of stable institutions guaranteeing democracy.

Parliament expresses the hope that the Albanian Government and opposition clearly understand that overcoming the current political controversies is crucial for the country's progress towards EU integration and for furthering Albanians’ European aspirations. It is high time to find a solution to the current political crisis on a basis which will stand the test of time, and it is the responsibility of the Government of Albania together with the opposition to promptly find ways forward which will be required for the country on its EU path. Parliament deplores the political crisis following the June 2009 parliamentary elections in Albania, and underlines that fully functioning, representative institutions (especially parliament) are the backbone of a consolidated democratic system and, as a key priority for the European Partnership. It welcomes the opposition's decision actively to participate in the Albanian Parliament's work, but deplores the fact that – in spite of the recent talks facilitated by the EU – a consensus has still not been reached regarding the 2009 elections. It strongly urges all political sides to assume their responsibilities and engage in constructive political dialogue, including discussions on a new electoral law ensuring a fully transparent electoral process for future elections. A solution to the stalemate can be found only by complying fully with the Constitution and the principles of transparency. If a solution cannot be found without outside help, government and opposition are asked to agree to mediation, for example by jointly inviting Council of Europe and/or European Parliament representatives.

Parliament moves on to welcome the adoption on 27 May 2010 of the Commission's legislative proposal on visa liberalisation , and calls on the Commission to check that the remaining benchmarks are met in the coming months, with the aim of clearing the way for the Council and Parliament to approve the introduction of a visa waiver for Albanian citizens by the end of 2010. It also welcomes the cross-party political support for visa liberalisation expressed in the resolution adopted by the Albanian Parliament on 11 March 2010. Members note with satisfaction Albanian initiatives to waive visa requirements for neighbouring countries, which are a positive step that facilitates people-to-people contacts and enhances regional reconciliation. They consider that such initiatives should be undertaken in parallel to the visa liberalisation process involving the Schengen countries and Western Balkan countries.

Members welcome the progress made in respect of the judicial system, but underlines that implementation of the reforms is still at an early stage, and that judicial reform , including the enforcement of court decisions, is a key prerequisite for Albania's EU membership application process. They note that the fight against corruption remains a major political challenge, that law enforcement and prosecution are still weak, and that further vigorous steps need to be taken to remedy the situation whereby people guilty of corruption enjoy impunity. Parliament underlines the need to establish a track record of investigations and convictions, including in cases of high-level corruption, and to continue implementing the latest GRECO recommendations, especially as regards reducing the number of officials enjoying immunity. It calls, furthermore, for the adoption of a legislative framework for fully transparent political party financing ;

Parliament acknowledges the progress made in respect of protection of minorities , and that an adequate institutional and legislative framework for the protection of minorities is largely in place. It notes, however, that discrimination continues to be a problem in Albania, and it refers particularly to the recent anti-gay demonstration in Albania. It underlines that more efforts are needed to tackle the European Partnership priorities with regard to minorities, and more specifically the use of minority languages and provision for minority-language education and non-discriminatory treatment for members of all minorities.

Lastly, Parliament acknowledges Albania's good relations with its neighbours as making a vital contribution to regional stability, and welcomes the recent positive trend in relations between Albania and Serbia, along with the country's active participation in regional initiatives.

Documents
2010/07/08
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2010/07/07
   EP - Motion for a resolution
Documents
2010/07/07
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2010/06/14
   CSL - Debate in Council
Documents
2010/06/14
   CSL - Council Meeting

Documents

Activities

Votes

B7-0408/2010 - Albanie - PAR 40 #

2010/07/08 Outcome: +: 359, -: 258, 0: 19
GB EL NL DK BE AT FR LT EE ES FI SE BG RO CZ IE LU SI MT IT LV CY SK HU PT PL DE
Total
63
19
25
13
17
16
61
6
6
45
13
13
16
28
14
11
5
5
5
60
8
5
10
18
20
45
89
icon: S&D S&D
162

Netherlands S&D

3

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Finland S&D

2

Sweden S&D

2

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
72
3

Belgium ALDE

3

Lithuania ALDE

1

Spain ALDE

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

2

Latvia ALDE

For (1)

1

Slovakia ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
46

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Denmark Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

3

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Spain Verts/ALE

2

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

Against (1)

2

Sweden Verts/ALE

2

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1
icon: ECR ECR
41

Netherlands ECR

For (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Hungary ECR

For (1)

1
icon: NI NI
24

Belgium NI

2

France NI

2

Spain NI

1

Bulgaria NI

1

Hungary NI

2
icon: EFD EFD
23

Greece EFD

2

Netherlands EFD

For (1)

1

Denmark EFD

2

Lithuania EFD

For (1)

1

Finland EFD

For (1)

1

Slovakia EFD

Against (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
32

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Greece GUE/NGL

Against (1)

2

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

France GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

5

Spain GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Portugal GUE/NGL

Against (2)

4
icon: PPE PPE
236

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Lithuania PPE

1

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Czechia PPE

2

Luxembourg PPE

2

Slovenia PPE

Against (2)

2

Malta PPE

Against (2)

2

Cyprus PPE

Against (1)

1

B7-0408/2010 - Albanie - AM 11 #

2010/07/08 Outcome: -: 564, +: 45, 0: 8
LT LU SI CY MT AT EE DK SK IE LV FI BE HU BG SE CZ NL EL PT RO GB IT ES PL FR DE
Total
6
5
5
5
5
15
6
12
10
10
8
11
17
16
15
13
17
24
19
20
26
59
60
44
44
60
85
icon: EFD EFD
23

Lithuania EFD

Abstain (1)

1

Denmark EFD

2

Slovakia EFD

For (1)

1

Finland EFD

For (1)

1

Netherlands EFD

Against (1)

1

Greece EFD

2
icon: NI NI
24

Belgium NI

2

Hungary NI

For (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Bulgaria NI

1

Romania NI

2

Spain NI

Against (1)

1

France NI

2
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
32

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

1

Greece GUE/NGL

Against (1)

2

Portugal GUE/NGL

4

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Spain GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
37

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Hungary ECR

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
46

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Estonia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

2

Latvia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

Against (2)

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

3

Sweden Verts/ALE

2

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Greece Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5

Spain Verts/ALE

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
68

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

Against (2)

2

Denmark ALDE

2

Slovakia ALDE

Against (1)

1
3

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Belgium ALDE

3

Sweden ALDE

3

Romania ALDE

2

Spain ALDE

1
icon: S&D S&D
155

Lithuania S&D

Against (1)

2

Luxembourg S&D

Against (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

Against (1)

1
2

Austria S&D

3

Estonia S&D

Against (1)

1

Ireland S&D

For (1)

Against (1)

2

Latvia S&D

Against (1)

1

Finland S&D

2

Hungary S&D

3

Bulgaria S&D

3

Sweden S&D

2

Netherlands S&D

3
icon: PPE PPE
232

Lithuania PPE

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

Slovenia PPE

Against (2)

2

Cyprus PPE

Against (1)

1

Malta PPE

Against (2)

2

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Finland PPE

2

Czechia PPE

2

B7-0408/2010 - Albanie - RÉSOLUTION #

2010/07/08 Outcome: +: 567, -: 47, 0: 19
DE FR PL ES IT GB RO PT NL EL BG HU CZ BE SE IE FI DK LV SK AT EE LT LU SI CY MT
Total
88
61
46
45
61
62
25
20
25
18
16
18
17
17
12
11
12
13
8
10
16
6
6
5
5
5
5
icon: PPE PPE
233

Czechia PPE

2

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Lithuania PPE

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

Slovenia PPE

2

Cyprus PPE

1

Malta PPE

2
icon: S&D S&D
166

Netherlands S&D

3

Sweden S&D

2

Finland S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
67

Spain ALDE

1

Romania ALDE

2

Belgium ALDE

3

Sweden ALDE

2
3

Latvia ALDE

For (1)

1

Slovakia ALDE

For (1)

1

Lithuania ALDE

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

2
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
46

Spain Verts/ALE

2

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

3

Sweden Verts/ALE

2

Finland Verts/ALE

2

Denmark Verts/ALE

2

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
42

Netherlands ECR

For (1)

1

Hungary ECR

For (1)

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
33

France GUE/NGL

5

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

4

Netherlands GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

2

Greece GUE/NGL

2

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1
icon: EFD EFD
22

Netherlands EFD

For (1)

1

Greece EFD

1

Finland EFD

Against (1)

1

Denmark EFD

2

Slovakia EFD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

Abstain (1)

1
icon: NI NI
24

France NI

2

Spain NI

1

Bulgaria NI

Against (1)

1

Hungary NI

2

Belgium NI

2

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

docs/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-7-2010-0408_EN.html
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-7-2010-0408_EN.html
events/1/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20100707&type=CRE
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CRE-7-2010-07-07-TOC_EN.html
events/3
date
2010-07-08T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-7-2010-0282_EN.html title: T7-0282/2010
summary
events/3
date
2010-07-08T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
body
EP
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-7-2010-0282_EN.html title: T7-0282/2010
summary
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 132-p2
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 123-p2
docs/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B7-2010-408&language=EN
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-7-2010-0408_EN.html
docs/1/body
EC
events/3/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2010-282
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-7-2010-0282_EN.html
activities
  • body: CSL meeting_id: 3023 docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=3023*&MEET_DATE=14/06/2010 type: Debate in Council title: 3023 council: General Affairs date: 2010-06-14T00:00:00 type: Council Meeting
  • date: 2010-07-07T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20100707&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament body: EP type: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2010-07-08T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=18681&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2010-282 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T7-0282/2010 body: EP type: Results of vote in Parliament
commission
  • body: EC dg: External Relations commissioner: ASHTON Catherine
committees
    council
    • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: General Affairs meeting_id: 3023 url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=3023*&MEET_DATE=14/06/2010 date: 2010-06-14T00:00:00
    docs
    • date: 2010-07-07T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B7-2010-408&language=EN title: B7-0408/2010 type: Motion for a resolution body: EP
    • date: 2010-11-29T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=18681&j=0&l=en title: SP(2010)6850 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
    events
    • date: 2010-06-14T00:00:00 type: Debate in Council body: CSL docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=3023*&MEET_DATE=14/06/2010 title: 3023
    • date: 2010-07-07T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20100707&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
    • date: 2010-07-08T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=18681&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
    • date: 2010-07-08T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2010-282 title: T7-0282/2010 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 567 to 47 with 19 abstentions a resolution tabled on the Committee on Foreign Affairs on Albania. It confirms its full support for Albania's application for EU membership (and for future EU membership for all the other Western Balkan countries), once it has achieved a certain level of political stability and reliability and fully meets the Copenhagen criteria. Members acknowledge the progress achieved by Albania in the context of the reform process, but underline the need for further substantial efforts , which are necessary both to consolidate democracy and the rule of law and to ensure the country's sustainable development. They stress that a candidate country's progress towards EU membership depends on its ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria, including the existence of stable institutions guaranteeing democracy. Parliament expresses the hope that the Albanian Government and opposition clearly understand that overcoming the current political controversies is crucial for the country's progress towards EU integration and for furthering Albanians’ European aspirations. It is high time to find a solution to the current political crisis on a basis which will stand the test of time, and it is the responsibility of the Government of Albania together with the opposition to promptly find ways forward which will be required for the country on its EU path. Parliament deplores the political crisis following the June 2009 parliamentary elections in Albania, and underlines that fully functioning, representative institutions (especially parliament) are the backbone of a consolidated democratic system and, as a key priority for the European Partnership. It welcomes the opposition's decision actively to participate in the Albanian Parliament's work, but deplores the fact that – in spite of the recent talks facilitated by the EU – a consensus has still not been reached regarding the 2009 elections. It strongly urges all political sides to assume their responsibilities and engage in constructive political dialogue, including discussions on a new electoral law ensuring a fully transparent electoral process for future elections. A solution to the stalemate can be found only by complying fully with the Constitution and the principles of transparency. If a solution cannot be found without outside help, government and opposition are asked to agree to mediation, for example by jointly inviting Council of Europe and/or European Parliament representatives. Parliament moves on to welcome the adoption on 27 May 2010 of the Commission's legislative proposal on visa liberalisation , and calls on the Commission to check that the remaining benchmarks are met in the coming months, with the aim of clearing the way for the Council and Parliament to approve the introduction of a visa waiver for Albanian citizens by the end of 2010. It also welcomes the cross-party political support for visa liberalisation expressed in the resolution adopted by the Albanian Parliament on 11 March 2010. Members note with satisfaction Albanian initiatives to waive visa requirements for neighbouring countries, which are a positive step that facilitates people-to-people contacts and enhances regional reconciliation. They consider that such initiatives should be undertaken in parallel to the visa liberalisation process involving the Schengen countries and Western Balkan countries. Members welcome the progress made in respect of the judicial system, but underlines that implementation of the reforms is still at an early stage, and that judicial reform , including the enforcement of court decisions, is a key prerequisite for Albania's EU membership application process. They note that the fight against corruption remains a major political challenge, that law enforcement and prosecution are still weak, and that further vigorous steps need to be taken to remedy the situation whereby people guilty of corruption enjoy impunity. Parliament underlines the need to establish a track record of investigations and convictions, including in cases of high-level corruption, and to continue implementing the latest GRECO recommendations, especially as regards reducing the number of officials enjoying immunity. It calls, furthermore, for the adoption of a legislative framework for fully transparent political party financing ; Parliament acknowledges the progress made in respect of protection of minorities , and that an adequate institutional and legislative framework for the protection of minorities is largely in place. It notes, however, that discrimination continues to be a problem in Albania, and it refers particularly to the recent anti-gay demonstration in Albania. It underlines that more efforts are needed to tackle the European Partnership priorities with regard to minorities, and more specifically the use of minority languages and provision for minority-language education and non-discriminatory treatment for members of all minorities. Lastly, Parliament acknowledges Albania's good relations with its neighbours as making a vital contribution to regional stability, and welcomes the recent positive trend in relations between Albania and Serbia, along with the country's active participation in regional initiatives.
    • date: 2010-07-08T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
    links
    other
    • body: EC dg: External Relations commissioner: ASHTON Catherine
    procedure/legal_basis/0
    Rules of Procedure EP 123-p2
    procedure/legal_basis/0
    Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 123-p2
    procedure/subject
    Old
    • 6.10.08 Fundamental freedoms, human rights, democracy in general
    • 6.40.03 Relations with South-East Europe and the Balkans
    New
    6.10.08
    Fundamental freedoms, human rights, democracy in general
    6.40.03
    Relations with South-East Europe and the Balkans
    procedure/subtype
    Old
    Resolution on statements
    New
    Resolution on statement
    activities
    • body: CSL meeting_id: 3023 docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=3023*&MEET_DATE=14/06/2010 type: Debate in Council title: 3023 council: General Affairs date: 2010-06-14T00:00:00 type: Council Meeting
    • date: 2010-07-07T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20100707&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament body: EP type: Debate in Parliament
    • date: 2010-07-08T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=18681&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2010-282 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T7-0282/2010 body: EP type: Results of vote in Parliament
    committees
      links
      other
      • body: EC dg: External Relations commissioner: ASHTON Catherine
      procedure
      legal_basis
      Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 123-p2
      reference
      2010/2611(RSP)
      title
      Resolution on Albania
      geographical_area
      Albania
      stage_reached
      Procedure completed
      subtype
      Resolution on statements
      type
      RSP - Resolutions on topical subjects
      subject