The S&D Group in the European Parliament has welcomed the adoption of a judicial reform package today in the Albanian Parliament.
 
Knut Fleckenstein, S&D Vice-President and the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on Albania, said:
 
“This is a great step forward for Albania and finally opens the way for the beginning of EU accession talks. Getting this law passed was not easy and it has taken years of careful negotiations with support of both EU and US experts. We are pleased that the three major parties have finally put aside their differences and have done what is right for the country. We now need to see that there is real commitment to implementing this ambitious reform.”
 
“The Council should now begin EU accession talks with Albania immediately.”
 
Elly Schlein, Vice-Chair of the Parliament delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, said:
 
“These reforms are a great step forward for Albania. If implemented effectively they will help develop a justice system fit for the 21st century, help to fight corruption and create a business environment that can attract investment. Getting to this point has been a long process and we now need to see real commitment from all political parties in Albania to implement these reforms.
 
“Today should be a day of celebration for Albania, it is a victory for the whole country, all political forces and its citizens, and a fundamental step to rebuild trust in the institutions and towards the country's European future."