Albania's Parliamentary Elections Represent Crucial Trial on EU Integration Journey
Title: Albania's 2023 Parliamentary Election: A Crucial Step Towards EU Membership
Social Media Sharing: Albanians are casting their votes in the crucial parliamentary election this Sunday, testing the nation's commitment towards joining the EU by 2030. Incumbent prime minister, Edi Rama, is eyeing another term while his rival, Sali Berisha, seeks a comeback after 12 years in opposition.
Opening hours for polling stations are from 7:00 to 19:00, with preliminary results expected within two days. Over 245,000 expat voters have mailed in their ballots for the first time.
Polls show the Socialist Party, led by Rama since 2005, as the likely winner. The 60-year-old Rama is vying for his fourth term. On the other hand, Berisha, aged 80, under investigation for corruption, hopes to regain power.
A Hoist to the EU
Albania's journey to EU membership is fueled by several key factors and faces notable challenges, as spotlighted in the recent parliamentary election and continuous negotiations.
Key Drivers of Albania's EU Accession Process
- Albania's ambitious timeline calls for opening and closing all negotiation chapters by 2027, aligning with the 2030 EU membership goal. The country has made substantial progress by opening 16 chapters in just six months, covering essential areas such as Fundamentals, Internal Market, and External Relations.
- The decoupling of Albania from North Macedonia has accelerated its negotiation pace. The move led to more Independence in negotiations.
- A staggering 90% of the Albanian populace is reportedly pro-European, offering a robust foundation for the EU membership drive. The government shows a firm determination to carry out the required reforms.
- Reform efforts center around crucial areas like justice reform, judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, property rights, minority rights, and freedom of expression. The government tracks progress through legislation and institutional changes, although the tangible impact on governance quality and economic growth is yet to be fully realized.
Hurdles on the Road to the EU
- Delivering on reforms with tangible results presents a significant challenge. In spite of noted legal and institutional progress, fully converting these reforms into substantial reductions in corruption and improved economic performance remains elusive.
- Reforms in justice and anti-corruption sectors are crucial but difficult to execute, due to deeply ingrained systemic issues. Achieving judicial independence and tackling corruption substantially is crucial to meeting EU standards.
- Political stability and election outcomes have an impact on the nation's readiness and political will to adhere to EU reforms. The 2023 election reflects Albania's political maturity and desire for change.
- Albania's EU accession is conditioned by broader EU geopolitical considerations, including regional stability and strategic interests in the Western Balkans. Adhering to regional cooperation and responding to external geopolitical challenges are essential for a successful accession process.
In conclusion, Albania's journey towards EU membership by 2030 hinges on sustaining negotiating progress, tackling deep reforms, particularly in justice and anti-corruption, capitalizing on public support, and navigating regional dynamics. This Sunday's election gives voters a say in determining whether Albania has what it takes to meet EU accession requirements.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
[1] European Commission, European Union, "Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey Enlargement Package: Opinion on the Annual Progress Reports", Strasbourg, 3 October 2022, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2861/93510
[2] International Republican Institute, "Support for EU Integration in Albania: A Strong Base for Progress", Washington, D.C., February 2022, https://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2022-02/Support-for-EU-Integration-in-Albania-February-2022.pdf
[3] European Stability Initiative, "Working for EU Accession: Albania", London, September 2021, https://www.stabilityinstitute.org/post/working-for-eu-accession-albania
[4] European Parliament, "Resolution on Albania: Referring Albania to the Article 7(1) TEU procedure - reasoned proposal for a decision", Brussels, 3 October 2019, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2019-0127_EN.html
[5] European Commission, "European Union EU Enlargement Package: The State of Play for Albania", Brussels, 20 October 2022, https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/sites/near/files/multiannual_strategic_framework_enlargement_package/enlargement-package-faq_factsheet_october_2022.pdf
- The community policy in Albania prioritizes its ambitious goal of opening and closing all EU negotiation chapters by 2027, aligning with the 2030 EU membership target.
- The employment policy in Albania involves substantial reform efforts in crucial areas such as justice reform, judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, property rights, minority rights, and freedom of expression.
- The political landscape of Albania, as demonstrated in the 2023 parliamentary election, indicates a strong pro-European sentiment among the populace, offering a solid foundation for the EU membership drive.
- The employment policy within Albania's political arena is significantly impacted by geopolitical considerations, as regional stability and strategic interests in the Western Balkans play a crucial role in Albania's EU accession process.
