WRITTEN QUESTION E-1837/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. EU-Albania Association Agreement.
Date: 2001-06-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Albania, academic freedom, association agreement (EU), democratisation, establishment of peace, local election, rights of minorities

14.2.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 40 E/117

By stating these fact, the Vice President is not promoting the narrow interests of the nuclear industry. She
is highlighting the difficult challenges concerning energy and environment that the Community now faces,
under the global strategic approach enshrined in the Commission(cid:146)s Green Paper in order to tackle the issue
of the Union(cid:146)s security of supply and energy prime stability in a comprehensive and objective manner.

While clearly recognising that the choice of energy sources is the responsibility of each individual Member
State, there is a Community responsibility to meet its international obligations regarding climate change.
Moreover, it is in the interest of the Community to reduce its dependency on external energy sources. In
making clear this position, the Vice President did not interfere in Dutch energy policy.

(1) COM(2000) 769 final.

(2002/C 40 E/116)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1837/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: EU-Albania Association Agreement

(26 June 2001)

The Commission has adopted a report on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the EU and
Albania, which is to be submitted to the Council for approval. In order to have a positive effect on stability
and peace in the country and the region, an Association Agreement with Albania must place emphasis on
democratisation and security in Albania and ensure that the rights of its minority communities are
protected.

Will the Commission, therefore, say:

1. what guarantees the Albanian Government has provided to ensure that there is no repetition of events
adversely affecting the Greek minority such as those which occurred during last year(cid:146)s local elections
(which were pointed out by international organisations and independent observers)), and

2. what measures Albania has committed itself to in order to ensure that the minority community can

pursue education without hindrance?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2001)

The future Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the Union and Albania will place emphasis
on essential political criteria such as democracy, rule of law, human rights and the protection of minority
rights.

The Albanian Government has committed itself to take all possible steps to try to prevent a repeat of
events such as those experienced in certain areas with strong Greek minority presence during the local
elections of October 2000. The fact that the first round of the Albanian Parliamentary elections on 24 June
2001 has taken place without particular incidents in these areas is a positive sign.

The Commission understands that Albania has already taken steps to make it possible for members of the
national minorities to receive education in their mother tongue within the so-called (cid:145)minority zones(cid:146).
During discussions in the framework of the Union/Albania High Level Steering Group in May 2001, the
Albanian Government stressed its intention gradually to complete the legal
framework for minority
protection and to abolish the concept of (cid:145)minority zones(cid:146). These steps will certainly help enhance the
education possibilities for national minorities in Albania. The Commission will closely follow devel-
opments in this sensitive field.