In a resolution adopted in plenary, on 8 July, the European Parliament appealed to the Albanian politicians to immediately end the political stalemate following the parliamentary elections of June 2009. It also acknowledged the progress achieved by Albania in 2009 but at the same time urged the country to make further “substantive efforts” to implement the necessary reforms, especially in the area of fight against corruption and organised crime.

Widespread corruption and organised crime as well as the ineffective judicial system and public administration are “still a prevailing problem” in Albania, said the resolution drafted by Nikolaos Chountis (GUE-NGL, Greece). The EP welcomed the efforts undertaken by the Albanian authorities to improve the situation in all these areas but noted that “further vigorous steps need to be taken to reverse the situation of impunity” as well as to reform the judicial system and public administration.

The resolution “deplored” the political crisis following the June 2009 general elections and called on the ruling party and the opposition to find a solution to the ongoing stalemate. It stressed that “fully functioning institutions, especially the parliament, are the backbone of a consolidated democratic system and, as a key priority for the European partnership, an important political criterion for EU integration”. The MEPs urged the parties in conflict to resort to mediation, for example by jointly inviting Council of Europe and/or European Parliament representatives, “if a solution can’t be found without outside help”.

Albania’s right-wing government, led by Sali Berisha, and the Socialist-led opposition have been locked in a dispute over the results of the June 2009 parliamentary elections, with the latter boycotting the work of the parliament. The opposition, which claims that the poll was rigged by the ruling party, has partly suspended its boycott of the parliament and took up their parliamentary seats only recently, following mediation by the leaders of the European Parliament’s main political groups (see Europolitics3983). The MEPs welcomed this move. They stressed, however, that a consensus has yet to be reached between the ruling party and the opposition.

Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle, who participated in a discussion on the resolution held one day before the vote, warned that the “lack of constructive political dialogue and lack of constructive political agreement following the June elections are a matter of concern” for the EU. He called on both parties to immediately engage in dialogue and find a solution.

Albania is awaiting a recommendation on its EU membership application, which was submitted in April 2009. The so-called avisis being drafted by the European Commission. According to EU sources, the document is due to be published in November. Once ready, the Commission’s recommendation will be presented to the Council. According to the EU’s rules of procedure, the Council decides on the application by consensus.