The 16th meeting of the Consultative Task Force (CTF) between the EU and Albania took place in Brussels on 5 June

The 16th meeting of the Consultative Task Force (CTF) between the EU and Albania took place in Brussels on 5 June

The CTF meeting focused on Albania’s progress on a number of important priorities set out in Albania’s European Partnership. These included electoral reform, property restitution, freedom of expression, human rights and minority rights. Minister Bregu described Albania's progress in these areas and outlined the government's plans for further improvement.

On electoral reform, the European Commission welcomed the setting up of the parliament's new electoral reform committee but encouraged better cross-party focus on electoral reform, which is overdue. The Commission welcomed Albania's neë structures for property reform, but underlined that accelerated progress on registration, restitution and compensation are vital to improving Albania's investment climate. The Commission underlined that new media reform laws should comply with EU standards to best promote freedom of expression. Regarding human rights, the Commission underlined the need for Albania to make further progress in protecting the rights of detainees and ensure abusers are punished. The Commission encouraged Albania to move forward in analysing the size of its minorities, and to reinforce its efforts to promote employment among the Roma.

These fields form a vital part of the background for the successful implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. They are thus vital for Albania's further progress towards the European Union. The Commission underlined that improved political co-operation and stability is essential for the adoption and implementation of effective reform legislation. The European Commission stressed that Albania's reform progress will be assessed in its November Progress Report. Minister Bregu assured the Commission that Albania will show determination in fulfilling the commitments it has undertaken.

The Albanian delegation to the meetings was led by Minister of European Integration Ms. Majlinda Bregu. The EU delegation was led by Ms. Andrea Berdesinski on behalf of the German EU Presidency, and Mr. Pierre Mirel, Director for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo issues of the European Commission.