Introduction

The objective of the EU within the countries of the Balkans is to pinpoint the perspectives for future EU-entry. The supervising group that was responsible for the stability and association treaty did however believe that Albania, despite some achieved progress, was not yet ready to assume extensive constitutional responsibilities as regards the EU. The council agreed likewise with the commission.

The most important task in Albania in order to accelerate the democratic process, is to achieve an agreement between the most relevant political protagonists that shall act under constitutional law in regard to the allocation of rights and duties of the executive branch, legislature and jurisdiction, as well as the pertaining appointment, control and conflict resolution mechanisms between and within these institutions.

On the other hand, the development and the establishment of a democratic and self-responsible civil society has to take place. Mechanisms of appointment, control and conflict resolution are insufficient so long as the citizens do not benefit from them, and as long as they do not have ultimate control that is manifested in the form of political decisions concerning the previously concluded decisions. If these prerequisites are not met, the population may lose its faith in democracy.

The following areas in particular shall be reformed in Albania:

• Facilitating democracy and the establishment of a free and stabilised domestic political process,
• Guaranteeing the rule of law in all facets, particularly within administration and jurisdiction, and the prevention of corruption and organised crime,
• Protection of minority rights (Greece in particular is calling upon the protection of the rights of Greek minorities),
• Strengthening economic conditions, the protection in particular of international investments, finalisation of the privatisation process in all sectors, measures for counteracting energy crises and strengthening of rural and underdeveloped regions. The objective is to accomplish a functioning eco-social market economy,
• Resolution of border disputes and matters of Albanian minorities in Macedonia, Greece and above all Montenegro and Kosovo according to the declaration of the European Council in Helsinki in December 1999,
• The main focus shall be placed on investigating the functioning of the judiciary, corruption and black economy that are widespread, as well as lacking capacities for implementing laws.

The European Council of Copenhagen and Porto Carras confirmed and qualified Albania and other Balkan countries as potential EU candidates. The European Council has furthermore reaffirmed the significance of stabilising and associating with the Western Balkan countries.

The Copenhagen criteria for potential EU candidacy are as follows:

• Stability of institutions, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for, and protection of minorities;
• The existence of a functioning market economy
• Adherence to the aims of the union, its standards and political aims that represent the collectivity of EU law.