EU: Albania could be candidate by end of 2013, Barroso says

But must step up fight against corruption and organized crime

17 September, 1

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER 17 - Albania could become a European Union candidate this year but it must do more to fight corruption and organized crime, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso told reporters after his first meeting with newly elected Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Tuesday.

''Albania could in principle reach adhesion candidate country status by the end of the year,'' Barroso said, adding that the objective is ''within reach'' now that Albania has proven it can hold elections that are ''free and fair, in spite of political polarization''. ''More effort'' is needed in the fight against corruption and organized crime ahead of the European Commission's report on candidate or aspiring candidate countries in October.

''The next steps will be critical to our assessment, so there is no time to lose. The coming weeks will be crucial,'' Barroso explained. ''This is a very important effort, which requires the mobilization of all Albanians'' including civil society and the opposition.

''Albania took the right steps by adopting key measures in the justice and public administration sectors, and by revising parliamentary procedures,'' Barroso pointed out. ''We will report on progress made and any further action undertaken by Albania in the fight against corruption and organized crime, including investigations and court proceedings, will be taken into account,'' Barroso promised.

''I encourage the new government to invest heavily in this direction, because our member states are watching you, as is the European Commission.'' The Albanian parliament on Sunday approved the government of its new Socialist premier, who has vowed to speed up Albania's integration into the European Union. (ANSAmed).