Proposal for a Council Decision on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Albania {SEC(2004) 374}
Date: 2004-03-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Albania, EU relations, European integration, cooperation policy, financial aid

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 30.3.2004 
COM(2004) 203 final 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with 
Albania  

(presented by the Commission) 

{SEC(2004) 374} 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
  
 
 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

The  Thessaloniki  European  Council  of  19  and  20  June  2003  reiterated  its  determination  to 
fully  and  effectively  support  the  European  perspective  of  the  Western  Balkan  countries  and 
stated that “the Western Balkans countries will become an integral part of the EU, once they 
meet the established criteria”. It endorsed the Council’s Conclusions of 16 June 2003 on the 
Western  Balkans  including  the  annex  “The  Thessaloniki  Agenda  for  the  Western  Balkans: 
moving  towards  European  integration”,  which  aims  at  further  intensifying  the  relations 
between the European Union and the Western Balkans, building also on practices used in the 
enlargement  process,  inter  alia  through  the  introduction  of  European  Partnerships.  The 
Commission has been invited to submit the first set of European Partnerships to Council for 
approval with the next Annual Reports on the Stabilisation and Association process (SAp) due 
end of March 2004.  

The European Partnership for Albania is based on the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) 
No.  533/2004.  It  identifies  short-  and  medium  term  priorities  for  Albania’s  preparations  for 
further  integration  with  the  European  Union  identified  in  the  Commission’s  2004  Annual 
Report and serves as a checklist against which to measure progress. The European Partnership 
for  Albania  reflects  its  current  stage  of  preparation  and  is  tailored  to  its  needs.  Albania  is 
expected  to  respond  to  the  European  Partnership  by  preparing  a  plan  with  a  timetable  and 
details  of  how  it  intends  to  address  the  European  Partnership’s  priorities.  The  progress  in 
implementing  the  priorities  will  be  monitored  regularly  by  the  Commission,  notably  in  the 
SAp Annual Reports and through the structures set up under the SAp.  

The  European  Partnership  priorities  should  form  the  basis  for  programming  of  the  financial 
resources making up Community assistance, which will continue to be the assistance provided 
for  under  existing  financial  instrument(s),  in  particular  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 
2666/2000 of 5 December 2000 (CARDS). 

The proposed Council Decision has no financial implications. 

In  view  of  the  above,  the  Commission  invites  the  Council  to  adopt  the  attached  decision.

2 

 
 
  
 
Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with 
Albania  

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 

Having  regard  to  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  533/2004  on  the  establishment  of  European 
Partnerships in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association process1 and in particular 
to Article 2 thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

The  Thessaloniki  European  Council  of  19  and  20  June  2003  endorsed  the 
“Thessaloniki  Agenda  for 
towards  European 
integration”  where  the  drawing-up  of  European  Partnerships  is  mentioned  as  one  of 
the means to intensify the Stabilisation and Association process. 

the  Western  Balkans:  moving 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  533/2004  sets  out  that  the  Council  is  to  decide,  by  a 
qualified majority and following a proposal from the Commission, on the principles, 
priorities and conditions to be contained in the European Partnerships, as well as any 
subsequent adjustments. 

Council Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 states that the follow up of the implementation 
of  the  European  Partnerships  will  be  ensured  through  the  mechanisms  established 
under the Stabilisation and Association process, notably the Annual Reports. 

The 2004 Commission's Annual Report presents an analysis of Albania’s preparations 
for  further  integration  into  the  European  Union  and  identifies  a  number  of  priority 
areas for further work. 

In  order  to  prepare  for  further  integration  into  the  European  Union,  Albania  should 
develop  a  plan  with  a  timetable  and  details  in  terms  of  measures  Albania  intends  to 
take to this end. 

1  

OJ L 

3 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 

Article 1 

In  accordance  with  Article  1  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  533/2004,  the  principles, 
priorities  and  conditions  in  the  European  Partnership  for  Albania  are  set  out  in  the  annex 
hereto, which forms an integral part of this Decision. 

The implementation of the European Partnership shall be examined through the mechanisms 
established under the Stabilisation and Association process. 

Article 2 

Article 3 

This  Decision  shall  take  effect  on  the  third  day  following  its  publication  in  the  Official 
Journal of the European Communities. 

Done at Brussels, 2004  

For the Council 
The President 

4 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX  

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

The  Thessaloniki  Agenda  identifies  ways  and  means  of  intensifying  the  Stabilisation  and 
Association process, inter alia through the introduction of European Partnerships.  

Based  on  the  Commission’s  Annual  Report,  the  purpose  of  the  European  Partnership  for 
Albania  is  to  identify  priorities  for  action  in  order  to  support  efforts  to  move  closer  to  the 
European Union within a coherent framework. The priorities are adapted to Albania’s specific 
needs  and  stage  of  preparation  and  will  be  updated  as  necessary.  The  European  Partnership 
also provides guidance for financial assistance to Albania. 

It is expected that Albania will adopt a plan including a timetable and details in terms of how 
they intend to address the European partnership priorities. The plan should also indicate ways 
to pursue the Thessaloniki agenda, the priorities on fighting  organised crime and corruption 
identified at the 2002 London Conference and at the Ministerial meeting held in Brussels on 
28  November  2003  in  the  framework  of  the  EU-Western  Balkans  Forum  and  the  measures 
presented  by  each  of  the  Western  Balkan  countries  at  the  meeting  of  5  November  2003  in 
Belgrade as a follow-up to the Ohrid Conference on integrated border management. 

2. 

PRINCIPLES 

The Stabilisation and Association process remains the framework for the European course of 
the Western Balkan countries, all the way to their future accession. 

The main priorities identified for Albania relate to its capacity to meet the criteria set by the 
Copenhagen  European  Council  of  1993  and  the  conditions  set  for  the  Stabilisation  and 
Association process, notably the conditions defined by the Council in its Conclusions of 29 
April 1997 and 21-22 June 1999, the content of the final declaration of the Zagreb Summit of 
24 November 2000 and the Thessaloniki agenda. 

3. 

PRIORITIES 

The Commission’s Annual Report assesses progress made and notes areas where the country 
needs  to  increase  its  efforts.  The  priorities  listed  in  this  European  Partnerships  have  been 
selected on the basis that it is realistic to expect that Albania can complete them or take them 
substantially forward over the next years. A distinction is made between short-term priorities, 
which are expected to be accomplished within one to two years, and medium-term priorities, 
which are expected to be accomplished within three to four years. 

The  European  Partnership  indicates  the  main  priority  areas  for  Albania’s  preparations  for 
further integration into the European Union, based on the analysis in the 2004 Annual Report. 
It should be recalled that where legislative approximation is concerned, incorporation of the 
acquis into legislation is not in itself sufficient; it will also be necessary to prepare to its full 
implementation. 

5 

 
 
  
 
3.1 

SHORT- TERM 

POLITICAL SITUATION 

DEMOCRACY AND RULE OF LAW 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Focus  on  reforms  and  ensure  proper  functioning  of  democratic  institutions  – 
Ensure a political focus on the implementation of the reforms necessary for progress 
within  the  Stabilisation  and  Association  Process.  Improve  the  rules  governing 
Parliamentary  Committees  and  investigative  Parliamentary  Commissions.  Fully 
adhere  to  the  Constitution  and  respect  and  implement  the  decisions  of  the 
Constitutional  Court.  Encourage  the  development  of  civil  society  and  its  active 
participation in the decision-making process. 

Improve the functioning of the public administration – Ensure enforcement of the 
Civil Service Law and take steps towards its improvement. Take measures to prevent 
undue political interference in the functioning of the public administration. Produce 
clear  guidelines  as  regards  recruitment,  transfer  and  dismissal  for  all  civil  servants, 
and  implement  them.  Ensure  that  the  Civil  Service  Commission  fulfils  its  duties  in 
accordance with the law. Strengthen the function of the Secretary General in the line 
Ministries, Council of Ministers and Assembly. Improve co-ordination between the 
line  Ministries  and  the  Ministry  of  European  Integration.  Strengthen  the  financial 
sustainability  of  the  Training  Institute  for  Public  Administration  (TIPA)  and  its 
local 
training 
administrations. Ensure that the planned review of existing Albanian territorial units 
as well as the establishment of new territorial divisions is carried out properly, with 
the involvement of all stakeholders. 

training  programmes 

capacities.  Prepare 

tailor-made 

for 

Prepare  the  next  Parliamentary  and  local  elections  properly  and  in  time  - 
Implement  in  time  the  OSCE/ODIHR  recommendations  issued  following  the  2003 
local elections.  

Strengthen  the  judicial  system  –  Take  measures  to  increase  transparency  and  to 
improve  management  in  the  criminal  and  civil  justice  process.  Foster  the  status  of 
judges,  and  their  independence  and  protection  within  the  Constitution.  Ensure  that 
the right to initial and vocational training for judges and prosecutors is enshrined in 
the  status  of  judges.  Ensure  efficient  functioning  of  the  “Serious  Crimes  Court”. 
Guarantee  that  judges  and  prosecutors  are  selected  and  appointed  through 
competitive examinations, in conformity with the Constitution and  the law. Further 
guarantee  that  judges  and  prosecutors  are  promoted  with  adequate  safeguards  and 
through  impartial  procedures.  Improve  the  functioning  of  inspectorates  of  both  the 
High Council of Justice and the General Prosecution Office, and ensure that there is 
no  impunity  for  judges  and  prosecutors;  provide  clear  guidelines  for  the  roles  of 
separate inspectorates in the Ministry of Justice and High Council of Justice. Adopt 
adequate  legislation  on  witness  protection.  Achieve  a  continuous  increase  in  the 
execution rate of court sentences. Develop a sound medium/long term strategic plan 
for the School of Magistrates with the objective of enhancing both its operation and 
financial  sustainability.  Ensure  a  proper  follow  up  (investigation  and  possible 
prosecution) to public allegations of criminal behaviour against specified persons.  

• 

Improve  the  fight  against  corruption  –  Adopt  the  necessary  legislation  in  order  to 
harmonise the Albanian legal framework with European Conventions on Corruption 

6 

 
 
  
 
(in criminal and civil matters) ratified by Albania. Improve the existing legislation on 
bribery and implement it. Ensure enforcement of the Law on Declaration of Assets. 
Implement  the  2003-2004  Anti-Corruption  Action  Plan,  and  ensure  that  the  next 
2004-2005 Plan includes realistic, precise and measurable anti-corruption measures. 
Strengthen the  institutional capacity  to  investigate  and prosecute corruption;  ensure 
that  the  Specialised  Unit  attached  to  the  Tirana  Prosecution  Office  (dealing  with 
financial crimes in general) also covers corruption cases. Reduce the list of officials 
covered  by  immunity,  and  grant  immunity  in  strict  compliance  with  international 
rules and practices. 

HUMAN RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF MINORITIES 

• 

• 

• 

Improve  the  respect  for  human  rights  by  law  enforcement  bodies  -  Ensure  that 
police, judges, prosecutors and other law enforcement bodies are fully aware of their 
obligations  in  terms  of  human  rights,  and  that  they  implement  them  in  accordance 
with  international  conventions  ratified  by  Albania,  and  in  particular  the  European 
Convention  on  Human  Rights  (ECHR).  Address  cases  of  ill-treatment  by  law 
enforcement  bodies 
through  effective  prosecution  of  perpetrators.  Improve 
conditions  of  detainees  and  prisoners  on  remand  in  police  stations  and  take  steps 
towards meeting international requirements in this area. 

Guarantee  freedom  of  expression  and  media  –  Take  measures  to  prevent  the 
harassment  and/or  undue  political  interference  with  the  press.  Bring  Albania’s 
legislation  on  defamation  into  line  with  EU  standards,  and  implement  it.  Adopt 
adequate legislation for the print media and improve the legislation available to the 
electronic  media,  taking  into  account  EU  standards.  Take  measures  to  ensure 
transparency  regarding  media  ownership.  Ensure  the  independence  of  the  media 
regulatory body, namely the National Council on Radio and Television. Finalise the 
National  Plan  for  Radio  and  Television  Frequencies.  Encourage  investigative 
journalism,  and  take  measures  to  support  the  independence  and  professionalism  of 
journalists. 

Ensure respect of minority rights – Provide accurate data on the size of minorities in 
Albania. Improve the legal framework on minorities so that it meets the requirements 
of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on National Minorities, and ensure 
its implementation throughout the whole Albanian territory. Implement the National 
Strategy for the Roma. 

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION 

• 

• 

Strengthen  regional  co-operation  –  Comply  with  Stabilisation  and  Association 
Process (SAP) requirements and Thessaloniki commitments in terms of regional co-
operation. Ensure implementation of all regional free trade agreements concluded in 
the  framework  of  the  2001  Memorandum  of  Understanding  for  Trade  Facilitation 
under the Stability Pact. 

Implement  international  obligations  –  Regularise  Albania’s  position  as  regards 
compliance  with  its  WTO  commitments.  Once  the  situation  is  regularised,  ensure 
implementation  of  the  revised  schedule  without  further  derogations.  Guarantee 
respect of commitments undertaken by Albania in the framework of EC relations. 

ECONOMIC SITUATION 

7 

 
 
  
 
FREE MARKET ECONOMY AND STRUCTURAL REFORMS 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Ensure  sustained  macro-economic  stability  -  Maintain  a  stable  macroeconomic 
framework  in  the  context  of  the  International  Monetary  Fund  (IMF)  programme. 
(IFIs) 
Demonstrate 
recommendations. 

International  Financial 

compliance  with 

Institutions 

Improve the business environment – Implement the Action Plan for the removal of 
administrative  barriers  to  investment  and  for  simplification  of  administrative 
procedures.  Adopt  improved  commercial  legislation.  Establish  clear  rules  and 
procedures  regarding  conditions  for  establishment,  registration  and  operation  of 
national  and  foreign  companies,  and  ensure  that  they  are  compatible  with  SAA 
requirements.  Ensure  proper,  non-discretionary,  non-discriminatory  implementation 
of  business-related  legislation,  rules  and  procedures.  Implement  the  European 
Charter  for  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises,  in  particular  the  targets  set  for  2004. 
Ensure  that  the  SME  Agency  is  fully  operational.  Reform  pre-paid  tax  system  to 
make it less unfavourable for starting up companies. Continue preparation of national 
guarantee fund. Spread company registration possibilities throughout the country. 

Develop a stable and functioning land/real estate market - Adopt new legislation on 
the restitution/compensation of properties confiscated during the communist period. 
Ensure  that  this  legislation  provides  a  satisfactory  answer  to  the  vast  majority  of 
claims and take, in close co-operation with all relevant political actors and owner’s 
associations, the necessary steps to ensure its implementation. In particular, provide 
all  data  necessary  to  determine  the  land  available  for  restitution  or  compensation, 
identify  clearly  the  outstanding  restitution  claims,  and  develop  a  credible  financing 
plan ensuring coverage of possible compensation costs. 

Promote  employment  and  social  cohesion  –  Develop,  with  the  involvement  of  all 
relevant actors, a strategy to promote employment and social cohesion, and start the 
strategy’s implementation. Take measures to improve social protection systems and 
social  standards,  and  to  combat  social  exclusion  and  discrimination.  Respect  core 
labour standards and their effective enforcement.  

MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC FINANCES 

• 

Improve  public  finance  management  –  Improve  budgeting  procedures  through 
realistic revenue estimates, better prioritisation of expenditure and strengthened links 
between  policy  objectives  and  budget  planning.  Develop  a  comprehensive  socio-
economic  strategy,  encompassing  the  current  National  Strategy  for  Social  and 
Economic  Development  (NSSED)  and  the  Medium  Term  Expenditure  Framework 
(MTEF), to which all financial assistance could then be linked; in this context, ensure 
that SAP priorities are duly taken into account. 

Develop  a  comprehensive  Public  Internal  Financial  Control  Strategy  Paper,  taking 
into account EC requirements. 

Enforce  the  Law  on  Internal  Audit.  Ensure  the  adequate  functioning  of  the  State 
Audit Institution (SAI), including follow-up of its findings and recommendations, as 
well as the prosecution of criminal cases. 

EUROPEAN STANDARDS 

8 

 
 
  
 
INTERNAL MARKET AND TRADE 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Movement of goods – Make further progress in adopting European Standards. Adopt 
the draft decree on the organisation and functioning of the Accreditation Directorate, 
and ensure that the split of the function of accreditation from those of standardisation 
and certification takes place. Take measures to increase the awareness of economic 
operators in relation to these concepts, as well as to their importance in international 
trade. 

Improve  phyto-sanitary  and  veterinary  conditions 
in  compliance  with  EC 
requirements, notably as regards those products which have a strong export potential. 

Customs  –  Stabilise  and  improve  all  aspects  of  the  administrative  capacity  of  the 
Albanian customs administration. In particular ensure the stability of the staffing and 
manage  human  resources  in  strict  compliance  with  the  relevant  legislation. 
Strengthen  the  customs  departments  involved  in  the  implementation  of  trade 
agreements,  in  particular  the  department  responsible  for  the  origin  of  goods. 
Strengthen  administrative  co-operation  in  the  customs  sector.  Ensure  that  rules  and 
procedures  regarding  transit,  valuation,  customs  warehouses,  risk  assessment  and 
selectivity, and auditing (internal and external) are implemented in accordance with 
EC standards and, where relevant, international conventions. Ensure that the customs 
administration performs its revenue collection obligation in compliance with the law. 
Take  concrete  measures  to  improve  the  fight  against  smuggling  and  trafficking. 
Implement  the  ASYCUDA  system  in  Tirana’s  Customs  House  and  Durres  port. 
Ensure  the  non-discriminatory  application  of  customs  legislation,  rules  and 
procedures throughout the whole country. 

Taxation - Start reviewing the present tax legislation and administrative procedures, 
and ensure effective and non-discriminatory enforcement of tax legislation. Intensify 
the  fight  against  fiscal  fraud.  Proceed  with  the  ongoing  reform  of  the  tax 
administration,  including  the  development/extension  of  an  integrated  computerised 
system.  Settle  all  outstanding  claims  regarding  tax  exoneration  for  EC  financed 
projects  and  establish  an  efficient  system  to  ensure  actual  tax  exemption  for  EC 
financed projects in accordance with the 1992 Framework Agreement. 

Competition  and  State  aids  –  Adopt  the  implementing  rules  necessary  for  the 
implementation of the new Competition Law and start implementing it. Prepare for 
the  establishment  of  an  independent  competition  authority,  including  through  the 
strengthening  of  administrative  capacity.  Promote  competition  policy  by  fostering 
liberalisation,  improving  public  procurement  practices,  ensuring  a  pro-competitive 
approach  to  privatisation.  Adopt  the  necessary  legal  framework  for  State  aids  and 
promote transparency and basic enforcement of the State aid principles.  

Public procurement – Enforce current public procurement legislation and take steps 
in  order  to  approximate  this  legislation  to  EC  standards.  Avoid  derogations  to  the 
principle  of  open  tender,  and  ensure  strict  implementation  of  tendering  procedures. 
Strengthen the Public Procurement Agency as well as public procurement entities in 
line ministries. Take measures to guarantee adequate treatment of complaints. 

Intellectual  Property  Rights  (IPR)  –  Adopt  new  legislation  on  industrial  property. 
Accede to the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. 
Adopt  the  necessary  legislation  and  strengthen  administrative  capacity  in  order  to 

9 

 
 
  
 
improve  copyright  protection.  Take  steps  to  further  increase  the  awareness  of 
economic  operators,  law  enforcement  bodies  and  the  judiciary  in  relation  to 
intellectual,  commercial  and  property  rights.  Take  measures  to  improve  IPR 
enforcement. 

SECTORAL POLICIES 

• 

• 

• 

Environment – Start addressing toxic hotspots in Durres and Vlora, and the issue of 
radioactive  waste  in  Tirana  and  Fier.  Ensure  enforcement  of  legislation  on 
environmental impact assessment and eco-taxes. Improve co-ordination between the 
Ministry  of  Environment  and  other  administrations  dealing  with  environmental 
issues.  Accelerate  implementation  of  the  National  Strategy  of  Water  Supply  and 
Sanitation, and the Rural Strategy of Water Supply and Sewerage.  

Energy –Implement the 2003-2005 Action Plan and start implementing the Albanian 
Energy  Strategy.  Implement  the  commitments  undertaken  in  the  framework  of  the 
2003  Athens  Memorandum  of  Understanding  on  the  Regional  Energy  Market  in 
SEE. 

Telecommunications  –  Ensure  that  the  electronic  communications  sector  is 
liberalised  effectively  including  the  strengthening  of  regulatory  bodies  and  the 
adoption of suitable laws and policies for the sector. 

CO-OPERATION IN JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS 

• 

• 

• 

Border  management  –  As  a  follow-up  to  the  Ohrid  regional  conference  on  border 
security  and  management  in  May  2003,  implement  the  measures  that  have  been 
adopted by the Government and presented at the meeting of JHA ministers within the 
EU-Western Balkans (WB) Forum in November 2003. Develop an Integrated Border 
Management  Strategy  (IBM)  in  compliance  with  EC  requirements.  Strengthen  law 
enforcement  bodies  responsible  for  border  management,  and  upgrade  management 
standards.  Establish  an  adequate  risk-analysis  system,  in  order  to  improve  border 
management at border-crossing points and “green” and “blue” borders. Increase co-
operation with neighbouring countries, as well as collaboration between national law 
enforcement bodies involved in border management, at the border and in connection 
with  subsequent  control  activities.  Improve  equipment  and  skills  of  Albanian  law 
enforcement  bodies  in  order  to  ensure  the  identification  of  forged/false  travel 
documents.  

Migration and asylum policies - Adopt and start implementing the National Strategy 
for Migration. Ensure that the necessary procedures to sign and ratify the EC/Albania 
Readmission Agreement are completed as soon as possible in 2004. 

Formally adopt the National Action Plan on Asylum. Address the remaining gaps in 
Albania’s asylum-related legislation. Implement, especially in border areas, the “pre-
screening”  system  to  classify  persons  in  irregular  situations  within  the  Albanian 
territory.  Respect  the  non-refoulement  principle.  Ensure  that  the  processing  of 
asylum  claims  is  carried  out  in  accordance  with  the  law,  and  that  time  limits  are 
respected. 

Police – Fully implement the law on police ranks. Develop and start implementing a 
transparent  system  of discipline  and promotion. Improve police investigative skills. 

10 

 
 
  
 
• 

Establish  a  consolidated  manual  of  procedures  for  all  the  Criminal  Police  Officers. 
Establish clear rules in order to ensure adequate collaboration between various police 
units and the prosecutor’s office. Strengthen community policing. Ensure prosecution 
of police officers involved in corruption and other criminal activities. 

Organised crime, trafficking, drugs, money laundering and terrorism – Implement 
the action-oriented measures against organised crime that have been adopted by the 
Government  and  presented  at  the  EU-WB  JHA  Ministerial  meeting  of  November 
2003.  Ensure  that  Albanian  legislation  clearly  defines  the  concept  of  “organised 
crime”, consistent with EU legislation and generally accepted international standards. 
Adopt  and  implement  legislation  on  stolen  goods  taking  into  account  international 
standards  and  covering  also  goods  stolen  abroad.  Ensure  collaboration  and 
information  exchange  between  law  enforcement  bodies,  state  ministries  and 
legislators involved in fighting organised crime. Within the limits of the law and in 
full respect of international standards, extend the use of Special Investigative Means 
to  all  organised  crime-related  areas.  Implement  the  Anti-Trafficking  Strategy 
adopted  in  2003.  Take  the  necessary  steps  to  prepare  for  the  conclusion  of  an 
agreement with Europol. 

Enforce  existing  drugs-related  legislation.  Ensure  sustained  efforts  in  the  fight 
against  the  cultivation  and  trafficking  of  cannabis.  Prepare  a  National  Strategy  on 
Drugs in compliance with the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan. 

Strengthen  the  capacity  of  institutions  responsible  for  fighting  money  laundering; 
ensure adequate collaboration between these institutions, establish efficient working 
procedures  and  develop  an  appropriate  case  management  system.  Enforce  existing 
money laundering legislation. 

Increase international co-operation and implement relevant international conventions 
on terrorism. Improve co-operation and exchange of information between police and 
intelligence services within the State and with other States. Prevent the financing and 
preparation of acts of terrorism. 

3.2 

MEDIUM TERM PRIORITIES 

POLITICAL SITUATION 

DEMOCRACY AND RULE OF LAW 

• 

• 

Further  improve  the  functioning  of  the  public  administration  –  Ensure  that  the 
sectors of the administration responsible for the implementation of SAA provisions, 
as  well  as  those  involved  in  the  implementation  of  EC  financial  assistance,  are 
adequately  trained  and  equipped  to  carry  out  their  duties.  Ensure  that  civil  service 
legislation  and  related  procedures,  including  in  terms  of  career  development,  are 
improved in line with the requirements of a modern public administration, and that 
they  are  strictly  implemented  to  support  the  development  of  a  well-prepared, 
professional, transparent and stable administration. Ensure that local administrations 
are in the position to implement decentralised policies. 

Carry  out  the  next  Parliamentary  and  local  elections  in  accordance  with 
international standards. 

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• 

• 

Further  strengthen  the  judicial  system  -  Ensure  prosecution  of  serious  crimes, 
especially  organised  crime,  with  particular  attention  to  cross-border  co-operation 
mechanisms.  Substantially  reduce  the  current  backlog  and  ensure  the  timely 
execution  of  court  sentences.  Ensure  broad  publication  of  court  decisions.  Ensure 
continued  and  adequate  training  of  judges  and  prosecutors,  including  in  human 
rights, ethics and commercial matters and SAA-related issues. Enforce legislation on 
witness  protection.  Further  strengthen  the  independence  of  the  Judiciary  by 
effectively  transferring  the  inspection  of  the  judicial  activities  of  judges  from  the 
Ministry of Justice to the High Council of Justice. 

Further  improve  the  fight  against  corruption  –  Implement  European  Conventions 
on Corruption (in criminal and civil matters) ratified by Albania, as well as GRECO 
recommendations.  Achieve  significant  results  in  the  fight  against  corruption,  at  all 
levels and in all fields, through enforcement of adequate legislation. 

HUMAN RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF MINORITIES 

• 

• 

Ensure  the  respect  of  human  rights  by  law  enforcement  bodies  –  Ensure  that 
detainees  and  prisoners  on  remand  are  treated  in  accordance  with  international 
standards. Guarantee that human dignity and personal safety is respected in detention 
centres,  prisons  and  mental 
international 
conventions. Establish an adequate juvenile justice system. Ensure compliance with 
the  CoE  Convention  for  the  Prevention  of  Torture  and  Inhuman  and  Degrading 
Treatment or Punishment.  

in  accordance  with 

institutions, 

Ensure freedom of expression and media – Enforce new legislation for printed and 
electronic  media  taking  into  account  EU  standards.  Ensure  that  TV  frequency 
allocation is carried out in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, in accordance with 
the  National  Plan,  and  that  requirements  are  fully  respected  by  broadcasters. 
Complete  the  transition  of  the  Albanian  RTV  from  a  state  television  company  to  a 
neutral public service broadcaster. Encourage continued improvement of the quality 
of journalism. 

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION 

• 

• 

Strengthen  regional  co-operation  –  Conclude  and  implement  a  set  of  agreements 
with neighbouring countries in the fields of organised crime, border management and 
readmission.  Implement  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  of  the  South  East 
Europe (SEE) Core Regional Transport Network. Continue the implementation of the 
commitments  undertaken  in  the  framework  of  the  2003  Athens  Memorandum  of 
Understanding  on  the  Regional  Energy  Market  and  make  progress  regarding  the 
regional  co-operation  on 
establishment  of 
environmental issues. 

this  market.  Ensure  adequate 

Implement  international  obligations  –  Fully  Implement  international  agreements 
and conventions ratified by Albania, in particular conventions in the fields of Justice 
and Home Affairs, human and minority rights, and trade. 

ECONOMIC SITUATION 

FREE MARKET ECONOMY AND STRUCTURAL REFORMS 

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• 

• 

• 

Complete  the  privatisation  process  –  in  particular  by  privatising  INSIG  (financial 
sector),  Albtelecom  (telecommunications  sector),  Servcom,  Albpetrol,  Armo  and 
KESH (energy sector). 

Further improve business environment - Enforce improved commercial legislation. 
Ensure that judges are well trained on commercial and corporate legislation. Achieve 
significant results in terms of fighting fraud and corruption. Put in place a strategy to 
combat  informal  economy  in  order  to  guarantee,  amongst  other  things,  fair 
competition between companies. 

land/real  estate  market  -  Enforce 

Achieve  a  functioning 
legislation  on 
restitution/compensation  of  properties  confiscated  during  the  communist  period. 
Complete land mapping and the process of land registration. Ensure that transfers of 
property are carried out in accordance with the law, and take measures aimed at the 
proper functioning of all bodies involved in the process (notaries, property register, 
etc). Ensure that provisions in relation to land classification and the use of land are 
respected. Develop and adopt legislation for the taxation of land and real estate. 

MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC FINANCES 

• 

Further  improve  public  finance  management  –  Implement  the  Public  Internal 
Financial  Control  Strategy.  Further  strengthen  external  audit  and  ensure  that  both, 
financial  control  management  and  internal  audit,  function  properly.  Establish 
effective  procedures  for  the  detection,  treatment  and  follow-up  of  cases  of 
(suspected) fraud and other irregularities affecting national and international funds. 

EUROPEAN STANDARDS 

INTERNAL MARKET AND TRAD 

• 

• 

• 

Movement  of  goods  –  Ensure  administrative  capacity 
implement  SAA 
requirements  in  this  area.  Make  further  progress  in  adopting  European  Standards. 
Establish  a  market  surveillance  system.  Ensure  improved  functioning,  taking  into 
account EC practices, of the bodies responsible for standardisation, accreditation and 
certification, as well as those responsible for metrology and calibration. 

to 

Achieve  substantial  improvement  in  terms  of  food  safety  and  phyto-sanitary  and 
veterinary conditions, in compliance with EC requirements. 

legislation  and  procedures,  and 

Customs – Ensure administrative capacity to implement SAA requirements. Ensure 
substantial  alignment  of  customs 
their 
implementation, to EC legislation and procedures. Guarantee proper implementation 
of  rules  of  origin.  Continue  to  ensure  stability  of  staffing  within  the  customs 
administration  and  to  improve  efficiency  in  its  management.  Increase  results  in  the 
fight  against  fraud,  smuggling  and  trafficking,  and  reduce  significantly  those  cases 
the 
involving  customs  officials  engaging 
implementation  of  ASYCUDA  throughout  the  whole  country  and  continue 
computerisation efforts. 

illegal  activities.  Complete 

in 

Taxation – Continue strengthening  the  tax  administration. Ensure full  and  efficient 
implementation  of  the  VAT  system.  Improve  communication  with  taxpayers,  and 
simplify  tax  structure  and  procedures,  including  refund  procedures.  Provide  all 

13 

 
 
  
 
• 

• 

• 

taxpayers  with  a  unique  identification  number  for  fiscal  purposes.  Continue  to 
strengthen tax collection and control and develop an audit strategy.  

Competition  and  State  aids  –  In  line  with  SAA  requirements,  establish  an 
independent competition authority. Enforce competition legislation, and prepare for 
the  establishment  of  an  operationally  independent  State  aids  structure.  Strengthen 
structures responsible for State aids and ensure progress towards both the completion 
of a comprehensive State aid inventory and the production of GDP data at NUTS II 
level. 

Public  Procurement  –  Ensure  substantial  alignment  of  Albania’s  legal  framework 
with  EU  acquis.  Achieve  fully  operational  public  procurement  structures,  ensuring 
strict  operation  of  public  procurement  procedures  in  compliance  with  the  law  and 
SAA requirements. 

Intellectual  Property  Rights  (IPR)  –  Properly  implement  international  conventions 
ratified in the field of intellectual, commercial and industrial property rights. Ensure 
a  high  degree  of  protection  for  IPR,  and  achieve  results  in  the  fight  against  piracy 
and  counterfeiting.  Guarantee  sufficient  administrative  capacity  in  order  to  comply 
with SAA requirements in this area. 

SECTORAL POLICIES 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Environment – Continue efforts to address toxic hotspots. Reduce the levels of dust 
and  air  pollution  in  urban  areas.  Reduce  pollution  produced  by  the  Balsh  refinery, 
including  the  discharge  into  the  Gjanica  River,  and  take  measures  to  tackle  water 
pollution in general. Continue to implement regional and international commitments 
in this area. Strengthen environmental monitoring and ensure sufficiently dissuasive 
sanctions against polluters. Ensure implementation of the National Strategy of Water 
Supply  and  Sanitation,  and  the  Rural  Strategy  of  Water  Supply  and  Sewerage. 
Develop and start implementing a strategy for progressive alignment to the acquis in 
this area.  

Public Health – Strengthen surveillance and notification systems for communicable 
diseases. Facilitate closer co-operation with the public health networks. 

Transport  -  Implement  the  transport  Master  Plan.  Continue  efforts  to  complete  the 
East-West and North-South corridors. Make substantial progress on the rehabilitation 
of Tirana Airport and the ports of Durres and Vlora, including in ensuring improved 
security and border management. Complete the privatisation of Durres port. Achieve 
improved  results  in  terms  of  road  safety,  and  take  additional  steps  for  further 
improvement.  Implement  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  of  the  South  East 
Europe (SEE) Core Regional Transport Network. 

Energy – Continue to ensure the proper implementation of Action Plans in relation to 
the electricity sector, and further progress with the implementation of the Albanian 
Energy Strategy. Ensure timely implementation of the various projects aimed at the 
improvement  of 
transmission  and 
distribution.  Continue  to  implement  regional  and  international  commitments  in  this 
area in view of establishing a competitive regional energy market. 

for  electricity  production, 

infrastructure 

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Telecommunications  –  Transpose  and  implement  the  new  EU  framework  for 
electronic communications. 

CO-OPERATION IN JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Border  management  -  Implement  the  Integrated  Border  Management  (IBM) 
Strategy  and  all  international  commitments  undertaken  by  Albania  in  the  area  of 
border  management.  Implement  risk  analysis  in  relation  to  border  management 
efficiently.  Continue  to  strengthen  border  management  capacities;  in  particular, 
ensure  that  border  management  at  Tirana  International  Airport,  and  at  Durres  and 
Vlora ports, complies with international standards. Ensure improved security features 
of  new  Albanian  travel  documents.  Achieve  significant  results  in  the  de-mining 
process. 

Migration  and  asylum  policies  -  Implement  Albania’s  National  Strategy  on 
Migration.  Ensure  that  Albania  is  in  the  position  to  meet  SAA  requirements 
regarding EC citizens working and/or residing in Albania. Ensure the enforcement of 
all  readmission  agreements  that  Albania  has  concluded;  attempt  to  conclude 
readmission  agreements  with  all  countries  of  the  region  and  with  the  countries  of 
origin  of  migrants  transiting  through  Albania.  Progressively  conclude,  ratify  and 
implement all of the main international conventions in the field of migration. 

Implement  the  Albanian  National  Action  Plan  on  Asylum.  Enforce  asylum-related 
legislation  and  establish  a  fully-fledged  asylum  system,  in  compliance  with 
international standards. 

Police  –  Continue  to  strengthen  all  police  forces,  most  notably  through  adequate 
training and equipment. Ensure functioning of a proper case management system, so 
that  there  is  a  well  documented  process  of  tracking  cases  from  initial  report  to 
conclusion.  Achieve  significant  results  in  the  fight  against  criminality,  and  in 
reducing corruption and other criminal behaviour within police ranks. 

Organised  crime,  trafficking,  drugs,  money  laundering  and  terrorism  –  Further 
increase  international  co-operation.  Achieve  significant  results  in  the  rate,  number 
and  quality  of  prosecutions  in  relation  to  offences  connected  with  organised  crime 
and trafficking, as well as in terms of the seizure of proceedings from crime.  

Implement the National Strategy on Drugs. Ensure substantially improved results as 
regards the fight against drugs trafficking, especially hard drugs such as heroine and 
cocaine. 

Reinforce  the  fight  against  economic  and  financial  crime  (including  money-
laundering and counterfeiting of currencies). Establish an inter-ministerial agency for 
the purpose of seizing proceedings from crime. Achieve tangible results in the fight 
against money laundering, both within and outside the financial sector.  

4. 

PROGRAMMING 

Community assistance under the Stabilisation and Association process to the Western Balkan 
countries will be provided by the relevant financial instruments, and in particular by Council 

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Regulation  (EC)  No  2666/20002;  accordingly,  this  Decision  will  have  no  financial 
implications.  In  addition  Albania  will  have  access  to  funding  from  multi-country  and 
horizontal programmes. The Commission is working with the European Investment Bank and 
the  International  Financial  Institutions,  in  particular  the  European  Bank  for  Reconstruction 
and Development and the World Bank, with a view to facilitate the co-financing of projects 
relating to the Stabilisation and Association process. 

5. 

CONDITIONALITY 

Community assistance under the Stabilisation and Association process to the Western Balkan 
countries is conditional on further progress in satisfying the Copenhagen political criteria and 
in particular progress in meeting the specific priorities of this European Partnership. Failure to 
respect  these  general  conditions  could  lead  the Council  to  take  appropriate  measures  on  the 
suspension  of  financial  assistance  on  the  basis  of  Article  5  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 
2666/2000.  

Community  assistance  shall  also  be  subject  to  the  conditions  defined  by  the  Council  in  its 
Conclusions  of  29  April  1997  and  21-22  June  1999,  in  particular  as  regards  the  recipients’ 
undertaking to carry out democratic, economic and institutional reforms. 

6. 

MONITORING 

The  follow  up  of  the  European  Partnership  is  ensured  through  the  mechanisms  established 
under  the  Stabilisation  and  Association  process,  notably  the  Annual  Report  on  the 
Stabilisation and Association process. 

2 

OJ L 306, 7.12.2000 

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