The Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament welcome the positive outcome of today's vote, in Strasbourg, on the 2014 progress report on Albania, underlining that the EU enlargement process must continue.
S&D vice-chair responsible for foreign affairs and rapporteur on Albania, Knut Fleckenstein, said:
"Albania, a candidate country for EU accession since June 2014, has made impressive progress on its way to EU membership.
"I am pleased that the European Parliament adopted today, with a large majority, my report that recognises this progress and identifies the key challenges that remain ahead.
"The report encourages Albania to continue and intensify its efforts on public administration reform, on reform of the judiciary, in the fight against corruption and organised crime and to enhance the protection of fundamental rights, in order to open accession negotiations as soon as possible. In all of these areas, implementation of the adopted legislation is of utmost importance.
"In order to further advance on the path towards EU membership, all political parties need to demonstrate responsibility and take ownership of the integration process. Establishing trust in the democratic institutions is also important.
"Albania plays an important role in the region of the Western Balkans. We recognise its constructive and pro-active stance on regional security and stability and cooperation with neighbouring states and we discourage statements that can send wrong signals.
"The future of Albania, and of all other countries of the Western Balkans, is in the EU. The European Parliament has reaffirmed this today."
