Resoconto integrale delle discussioni

Martedì 11 luglio 2023 - Strasburgo

18. Relazione 2022 sull'Albania (discussione)

  President. – The next item is the debate on the report by Isabel Santos, on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, on the 2022 Commission Report on Albania (2022/2199(INI)) (A9-0204/2023).

  Isabel Santos, relatora. – Senhora Presidente, Senhor Comissário, Caros Colegas, permitam-me que me dirija a todos vós e, ao fazê-lo, me dirija também ao povo albanês que, com coragem e determinação, tem perseverado no caminho europeu.

No ano passado, quando debatemos este relatório anual, tínhamos diante de nós um quadro bem diferente do que temos hoje, bem mais sombrio, dada a situação de injustiça que fazia com que a Primeira Conferência Intergovernamental fosse consecutivamente protelada.

Hoje, ultrapassada essa fase, encaramos o presente e o futuro com um novo alento. O processo de screening avança rapidamente e será previsivelmente cumprido num tempo recorde de 13 meses.

Em face do nível de compromisso e capacidade de resposta demonstrados e da necessidade de recuperar o tempo perdido devido a problemas alheios, este relatório apresenta o ano 2030 como meta para a conclusão do processo de adesão.

Não há tempo a perder.

Este relatório cobre um leque alargado de reformas em curso e deixa recomendações que entendemos ser importante ter em conta.

Importa continuar o caminho das reformas na área do Estado de Direito e da Justiça, recuperar das demoras devidas à diminuição de recursos humanos a que o vetting conduziu e que se melhore o acesso dos cidadãos à justiça.

A luta contra a corrupção e a criminalidade organizada não admite tréguas e traz constantes desafios.

O SPAC trouxe progressos significativos num processo que tem que ser contínuo no fortalecimento da transparência das instituições e da democracia.

Assinalamos os avanços legislativos em matéria de proteção das minorias, mas é necessário que tenham uma real tradução na proteção e na inclusão das populações LGBTQI+, roma e egípcia.

No que diz respeito à liberdade de imprensa, sublinhamos a importância da retirada da lei antidifamação, mas salientamos a necessidade da promoção de uma maior proteção dos jornalistas e da promoção da liberdade e da independência do seu exercício profissional.

Em matéria de política de ambiente, assinalamos a aceleração da diversificação das fontes energéticas e da transição para as energias renováveis, solar e vento, e a aplicação expedita do pacote de apoio da União Europeia aos Balcãs Ocidentais nesta matéria.

Regozijamo-nos com a criação do Parque Nacional do Rio Vjosa, o primeiro do género na Europa, mas pedimos o reforço das políticas ambientais. Temos que exigir isto.

No que diz respeito à política externa, não podemos esquecer, num momento crítico como aquele que atravessamos, que a Albânia se tem mostrado um parceiro confiável e alinhado com a Política Externa e de Segurança da União Europeia, inclusive no seu papel de membro do Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas.

Caros colegas, a juventude terá um papel importante no futuro europeu da Albânia e, por isso, é fundamental envolvê-la, desde já, na tomada de decisões.

O processo de adesão representa a construção de um projeto de sociedade para o qual todos têm que ser convocados: organizações da sociedade civil e indivíduos. Este processo exige o fortalecimento também do diálogo inter e intrapartidário, ultrapassando a polarização que tem marcado a vida política do país e que tanto a condiciona.

O processo está em curso e as reformas estão a ser implementadas, mas é tempo de ir para lá do trivial cumprimento de compromissos. É tempo de fazer mais e melhor e construir uma visão inspiradora em torno do futuro europeu da Albânia.

  Olivér Várhelyi, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, I want to thank our rapporteur, Ms Santos, for the report and the European Parliament for the continued support provided to the EU path of Albania.

From day one of this Commission, the Western Balkans have been our priority. This common work and commitment have brought progress. Since last year’s debate, there is a fundamental development: nearly a year ago we opened accession negotiations with Albania. This was a major step for the country and a clear recognition of Albania’s progress in advancing on its EU reform agenda.

The screening process is well on track. Delegations from Albania come well prepared and actively engaged in the discussions. So the screening is proceeding smoothly and the Commission will present its screening report to the Council within days.

We took positive note that the recent local elections on 14 May were held in calm and transparent manner on the day of the vote. According to the preliminary findings and conclusions of OSCE/ODIHR – the extended election observation mission – the local elections were well administered, competitive and held with the participation of the country’s key political forces. This is a significant improvement compared to the boycott that we have seen in 2019 at local elections.

The Commission encourages the Albanian authorities to address all outstanding recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR, as well as from the Venice Commission in this regard. To this end, we call for constructive and inclusive political dialogue from all sides.

The Commission concluded in last year’s report that the functioning of the judiciary in Albania is moderately prepared. Albania’s legislative and institutional framework on judiciary has a high level of alignment with the EU acquis and European standards. Since then, the vetting process is proceeding well, with 82% of the magistrates now vetted in first instance. Following new appointments of judges, the High Court has reduced the backlog of cases and reached the quorum to make appointments to the Constitutional Court. The last vacancy at the Constitutional Court was filled in December last year.

On fundamental rights, Albania maintained overall a positive direction, with an overall robust legislative framework in place. However, there is still a need to continue progress when it comes to the implementation of the fundamental rights, especially in the areas of minority rights, property rights and media freedom, as well as the protection of personal data.

Some progress has also been made on the fight against organised crime and the fight against corruption. The Specialised Structure for Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime, called the SPAK, delivered several important decisions affecting also high-level officials – including a former prosecutor general – and we expect continued progress in developing a strong track record on final convictions in corruption cases, notably at high level and in organised crime cases.

Further, let me again commend Albania’s continued alignment with the EU’s restrictive measures and sanctions against Russia, maintaining the 100% alignment to our common foreign and security policy. Albania continues to use its ongoing term in the UN Security Council to respond to the crises along like-minded countries. This proves that Albania has shown its determination to advance on the EU path and is a reliable partner.

The European Union has been the most important partner of Albania. Albania has received continuous financial support, with the aim to boost its resilience, including through the Economic and Investment Plan and, lately, through our energy support package.

Allow me a short update on this one, the energy support package. Between February and May this year, we have disbursed 90% of the EUR 500 million budget support to mitigate the increase of energy costs, both for small and medium-sized enterprises and also to vulnerable households in the Western Balkans. In this context, Albania received EUR 72 million this spring to subsidise energy prices for households and for SMEs, and to provide financial aid to vulnerable persons and to diversify its energy sources through new wind and solar investments.

Albania has come a long way on its path towards the European Union, showing persistence in pursuing difficult reforms in the interests of the Albanian people. We would like to see the country entering the next phase of the accession process. Notably, we would like to have the next intergovernmental conference to open the first cluster on fundamentals still this year.

  David Lega, on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, Commissioner Várhelyi, dear colleagues, last year, the EU finally opened the accession talks with Albania, which constitutes one step towards EU membership and a new face in the EU-Albania relations.

Becoming a member of the EU is not and should not be a quick or an easy process. The road towards EU membership is one of requirements aimed at guaranteeing democratisation, modernisation, the rule of law, stability and growth in each and every state aspiring for EU membership – and it is vital that the pace of accession should be determined by the reform progress.

Regarding Albania, I will highlight a couple of issues that I think are crucial. Firstly, we must commend Albania’s consistent and full alignment with the EU’s foreign policy, including its response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. However, when it comes to the situation inside the country, many reforms are still needed. One issue of concern is the deteriorating situation of the freedom of expression and media freedom. The trend is incompatible with EU integration. Democracy requires freedom to speak and scrutinise, and a lively opposition. This cannot be stressed enough and the violence against journalists must stop; the attempts to discredit reporters must stop and finally, the draft anti-defamation legislation is unacceptable.

The Albanian Government has extensive homework to do. I hope that it will advance the EU reform agenda in cooperation with the opposition and with all segments of society.

  Theresa Bielowski, im Namen der S&D-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin! Vor zwei Monaten besuchte der österreichische Bundespräsident Tirana und betonte: Albanien gehört längst zur europäischen Familie. Nächste Woche werde ich mit einer Delegation nach Tirana reisen und werde mit Überzeugung dasselbe sagen. Der Fortschrittsbericht zeigt ganz deutlich: Albanien hat in den wichtigen Bereichen Justiz, Verwaltung, auch im Kampf gegen die organisierte Kriminalität große Fortschritte gemacht.

Auch die Leistungen bei der Justizreform als Herzstück des Integrationsprozesses müssen besonders hervorgehoben werden, und der Beitrittsweg Albaniens ist das Ergebnis von konsequenter gemeinsamer Arbeit, auch konsequenter Umsetzung.

Und ja, es gibt noch Reformen umzusetzen. Es gibt auch noch Schritte zu gehen, aber auch diese werden wir gemeinsam beschreiten. Die Europäische Union als glaubhafte Akteurin, als verlässliche Partnerin wird auch ihre Versprechen einhalten gegenüber den Bürgerinnen und Bürgern Albaniens und besonders auch gegenüber der jungen Generation, die so viel Hoffnung in den EU-Beitritt legt. Für sie ist Europa die Zukunft, und die europäische Zukunft beinhaltet auch Albanien.

  Ilhan Kyuchyuk, on behalf of the Renew Group. – Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, Albania has come a long way on its European path and with continued determination to resolve undoubtedly difficult issues.

Over the past years, the country has demonstrated steadfast, unwavering and strategic commitment to European Union integration. Its dedication reflects the consensus among political parties and garners overwhelming support among its citizens. The country has constantly emphasised the importance of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation, understanding that unity is the key to achieve progress and prosperity. This commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship sets an exemplary model for the entire region.

Furthermore, Albania’s consistent and full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy is commendable. The country’s resolute efforts to align its interests with those of the European Union demonstrate a profound understanding of the benefits of cooperation and shared values. The country has maintained a focused approach on EU-related reforms.

Of course, there is still work to be done. It is imperative to intensify efforts aimed at improving the functioning of the rule of law and judiciary, and the European Parliament should stand ready to support the country on this journey.

  Thomas Waitz, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Madam President, Commissioner, Albania is a success story, clearly. The vetting process and the juridical reforms have not been seen in this dimension in the Balkans. The full alignment with foreign policy and security policy was mentioned by many colleagues already. But I think Albania has a crucial role to play also in stabilising the region. Albania is a stable factor of the region, which is something we cannot say of too many countries of the Western Balkans. Albania has shown real will to reform towards a European Union accession. They have shown that they take the process serious. That has finally started a bit more than a year ago after a long time of us keeping them waiting. And yes, also Albania still has a lot of reforms to do and implement a lot of legislation, European legislation. The report is pointing out on some weaknesses that we still see on segregation of parts of the minorities, on media freedom and, you know, fighting disinformation and cutting media freedom is a thin line, so one should not be used to do the other. We still see a lot of lack of implementation of laws that are already legally viable, but not yet really implemented on the ground. When it comes to domestic violence, when it comes to protection of children, when it comes to also the fight against organised crime, still there is quite something to deliver.

But last but not least, I want to highlight the progress and the positive signals that we see on the environmental side, on the protection of the Vjosa river, even though on the waste management side it will still need quite some ambition, but we should help with that. With this, a big thank you to our negotiators, to the rapporteur for the very constructive work and also for the good cooperation in this country with the Commission and Parliament here and the Member States.

  Ангел Джамбазки, от името на групата ECR. – Г-жо Председател, уважаеми Комисарю, истинско щастие е да Ви видим сред нас.

Често нашата приятелска държава Албания се разглежда в пакет със Северна Македония и страната често е жертва на липсата на прогрес в нейната източна съседка, а тази липса на прогрес се дължи, разбира се, на нежеланието на властите в Скопие да изпълнят защитата по човешките права, но това е друга тема. Когато това се е случвало, винаги сме посочвали, че общото разглеждане на двете кандидатури е несправедливо.

Въпреки това Албания трябва да продължи реформите в областта на основните права, върховенството на закона и правосъдието, за да постигне бърз напредък по пътя си към Европейския съюз. Плановете за фискална амнистия, които биха позволили до 2 милиона евро да бъдат депозирани в албанската банкова сметка, без да бъде разкриван произхода на средствата, дават основание за тревога. Албания може и трябва да докаже, че не може да бъде подозирана за център на някакви сиви сделки в Европа и Албания и Тирана трябва ясно да покаже, че е решена да се справи с този проблем и не позволява чрез въпрос за нови политики страната да бъде параван за незаконна дейност. Само бързи реформи и решителни стъпки в борбата с корупцията и организираната престъпност ще доведат до бързо завършване на преговорния процес.

Посоката на признаването на правата и законните интереси на малцинствата в Албания, включително българското такова, е правилна и заслужава поздравления. В края на деня Албания заслужава да бъде член на Европейския съюз, тъй като завърши своето домашно, тъй като подкрепя общоевропейските политики, и тъй като в края на краищата споделя това, което дори човек като мен разбира като европейски ценности. Така че на добър час на Албания в преговорите с Европейския съюз.

  Anna Bonfrisco, a nome del gruppo ID. – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, l'Unione europea e l'Albania hanno un destino comune e oggi riaffermiamo la volontà di integrazione di uno Stato amico e alleato, ma voglio cogliere questa occasione per sottolineare il contributo dell'Albania alla pace e alla stabilità internazionale, alla salvaguardia dello Stato di diritto tra le nazioni, alla salvaguardia del multilateralismo.

Attraverso il suo abile ambasciatore alle Nazioni Unite, in questi due anni di presenza nel Consiglio di Sicurezza ha affrontato nel più alto consesso del mondo del multilateralismo rivalità geopolitiche sempre più accentuate e instabili.

L'Albania ha dimostrato come un piccolo paese possa influenzare molto al di sopra del suo peso ed essere in prima linea sulle questioni che contano, contribuendo efficacemente a mantenere la bussola morale che la Russia ha perso ormai da tempo. Il suo contributo alla NATO è per noi sempre più prezioso.

L'importanza di questo volto più moderno dell'Albania è utile prima di tutto agli amici albanesi per costruire partenariati più forti e nuovi meccanismi di cooperazione nella regione dei Balcani, in Europa e nel mondo.

L'Europa ha bisogno dei Balcani e i Balcani hanno bisogno dell'Europa.

L'Italia ha nella sua fratellanza storica con l'Albania il compito di sostenere sempre di più il processo virtuoso di due paesi che condividono un mare.

Grazie a Lei, Commissario Várhelyi, e grazie alla relatrice Santos per il lavoro che fate e che farete.

  Fabio Massimo Castaldo (NI). – Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, in 2022, after regrettable delays, we finally have reached a significant milestone with the official start of the accession talks and acknowledgment of the remarkable progress Albania has made in advancing the EU reform agenda. Tirana has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to EU integration, both in the political and the public domain. I commend the report for acknowledging this dedication, while also highlighting areas that require further attention and efforts, particularly the fight against corruption and media freedom.

Dear colleagues, recent events, especially the criminal aggression in Ukraine, have emphasised once again an obvious truth – strength lies in unity. Now more than ever, the completion of the EU enlargement in the Western Balkans has become a strategic priority for the future of our Union.

It is not by chance that the candidate countries, including Albania, have been particularly targeted by Russian disinformation and hybrid attacks. We have demonstrated in practice, and not just in words, our resolute commitment to enlargement, avoiding further factious delays that undermine our credibility and frustrate our partners.

Although significant work remains to be done, Albania is undoubtedly on the right track. I urge them to keep delivering on the necessary reforms foreseen and our Union, especially the Member States, to recognise and reward their efforts in the critical years of negotiation ahead.

  Μανώλης Κεφαλογιάννης (PPE). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, κυρίες και κύριοι συνάδελφοι, πέρα από κάθε αμφιβολία, η θέση της Αλβανίας είναι στον σκληρό πυρήνα της ευρωπαϊκής οικογένειας. Όμως από το βήμα του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου θέλω να εκφράσω τη βαθιά μου ανησυχία για τη σύλληψη του εκλεγέντα δημάρχου Χειμάρρας Φρέντι Μπελέρη τις παραμονές των δημοτικών εκλογών στην Αλβανία και τη συνεχιζόμενη προφυλάκισή του, που παραβιάζει το τεκμήριο της αθωότητας και απαγορεύει σε αυτόν να αναλάβει τα καθήκοντά του ως εκλεγμένος δήμαρχος. Επίσης θέλω να τονίσω ότι το συγκεκριμένο θέμα είναι συνδεδεμένο απόλυτα με τον σεβασμό των θεμελιωδών δικαιωμάτων, με το περιουσιακό ζήτημα της ελληνικής μειονότητας στον δήμο της Χειμάρρας και με τις κατηγορίες για παράνομες απαλλοτριώσεις από τις αλβανικές αρχές. Η υπόθεση Φρέντι Μπελέρη αποτελεί χτύπημα στο κράτος δικαίου και στην προσπάθεια που κάνει η Αλβανία να συμμορφωθεί με το ευρωπαϊκό κεκτημένο. Περιμένουμε την άμεση απελευθέρωση του μοναδικού μειονοτικού δημάρχου, του δήμαρχου Χειμάρρας Φρέντι Μπελέρη.

  Andreas Schieder (S&D). – Frau Präsidentin! Albanien steht besser da, als es noch vor einigen Jahren dagestanden ist. Und da muss man gar nicht das Albanien von heute vergleichen mit dem Albanien, das ich vorgefunden habe, als ich in den 90er-Jahren das erste Mal auch dort gewesen bin. Im letzten Jahrzehnt sind irrsinnig viele Reformen in dem Land passiert, umgesetzt worden, angestoßen worden – die Bürokratiereform, die Rechtsstaatsreform, die Justizreform, der Kampf gegen Korruption, aber auch im Kleinen, wie z. B. in der Stadt Tirana, die einfach stadtentwicklungsmäßig eine Stadt ist, die durch ganz konkrete Maßnahmen sehr viel auch an Lebensqualität gewonnen hat.

Wenn man das so sagt, dann stellt sich natürlich die Frage: Ist alles im Guten? Nein. In Albanien müssen noch viele weitere Reformen kommen. Die ökologische Frage, die Klimafrage, die Nachhaltigkeitsfrage sind auch große Themen, genauso wie auch Arbeitsrecht und Gewerkschaften. Aber eins muss man sagen: Es zeigt sich, dass die Zusammenarbeit mit Albanien gerade im Zusammenhang mit der Erweiterung dort wichtige Reformen professionell und gut voranbringt.

  Vlad-Marius Botoş (Renew). – Doamna președintă, stimați colegi, Albania tinde spre un regim politic stabil și este o democrație europeană. Există încă probleme care trebuie abordate și îmbunătățiri care trebuie făcute, dar este clar că țara s-a angajat să devină o democrație puternică.

Sigur că este nevoie de o mai mare deschidere a procesului electoral pentru a permite accesul partidelor politice mici la luarea deciziilor. În felul acesta, cetățenii țării vor fi încurajați să se implice, să-și aducă contribuția la modernizarea Albaniei. Este nevoie și de o presă liberă care să poată semnala devierile de la valorile democratice, fără să se teamă de consecințe. Toate acestea, însă nu sunt de natură să ne împiedice să recunoaștem că este momentul ca Albania să fie membră a Uniunii Europene.

Trebuie să depășim momentul în care parcă Uniunea Europeană este înghețată de temerile partidelor extremiste, care resping orice deschidere și orice nouă adeziune. Am început un proces de aderare pe care ambele părți trebuie să-l respecte și cred cu tărie că este timpul ca Albania să fie parte din marea noastră familie a Uniunii Europene.

  Εμμανουήλ Φράγκος (ECR). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, από αρχαιοτάτων χρόνων η Βόρεια Ήπειρος είναι γη ελληνική. Η Χειμάρρα, παρά τις ελληνοφοβικές επιθέσεις της Αλβανίας, είναι μέρος της Βόρειας Ηπείρου. Το έγκλημα του Φρέντη Μπελέρη ήταν ότι απέδειξε το αυταπόδεικτο, ότι και η Χειμάρρα είναι γη ελληνική. Το Πρωτόκολλο της Κέρκυρας δεν ίσχυσε ποτέ, δεν ακυρώθηκε και ποτέ όμως. Άρα η Αλβανία οφείλει να φέρεται στην ελληνική εθνική μειονότητα της Βόρειας Ηπείρου με σεβασμό. Ας το καταλάβουν κάποιοι καλά. Ο δρόμος της Αλβανίας προς την Ευρώπη περνά από την Κορυτσά, από τους Αγίους Σαράντα και από τη Χειμάρρα. Εμείς ακούμε τους Βορειοηπειρώτες μας και λέμε «όχι η Αλβανία στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση». Μέχρι να απελευθερωθεί ο Φρέντης Μπελέρης, δεν πρέπει καν να σκέφτονται την Ευρώπη. Μέχρι να αναλάβει πλήρως καθήκοντα δημάρχου, καλούμε την Ευρώπη να επιβάλει αυστηρότατες οικονομικές κυρώσεις στην Αλβανία, διότι αυτή τη στιγμή βρίσκεται πιο κοντά στην Τουρκία παρά στην Ευρώπη. Σας ευχαριστώ.

  Dominique Bilde (ID). – Madame la Présidente, Monsieur le Commissaire, ce rapport sur l’Albanie est d’une incohérence évidente. Ce pays frappe donc aux portes de l’Union européenne contre espèces sonnantes et trébuchantes, puisque 758 millions d’euros lui ont été alloués entre 2014 et 2020 au seul titre de l’instrument d’aide à la préadhésion.

Pourtant, entre 2010 et 2019, plus de 193 000 Albanais ont demandé l’asile dans l’Union européenne pour des motifs qui faisaient particulièrement froid dans le dos – de la vendetta au trafic humain – afin d’être considérés comme réfugiés. L’année dernière, les mêmes Albanais grossissaient les rangs des embarcations de fortune traversant la Manche avant que Rishi Sunak n’y mette bon ordre. Est-ce là le niveau d’un futur État membre?

J’ajoute qu’avec un salaire minimum tournant autour de 360 euros, l’Albanie représente une concurrence féroce, par exemple dans le secteur de l’habillement, et ce à l’heure où la Commission prétend dérouler pour cette filière une stratégie de durabilité et qu’une production locale renaît timidement de ses cendres dans ma région lorraine, en France.

Je suis donc farouchement opposée à tout élargissement qui serait une aberration économique et civilisationnelle.

  Javier Zarzalejos (PPE). – Señora presidenta, señor comisario, creo que tenemos que expresar nuestra satisfacción por los avances que se han registrado en Albania para acercar esa perspectiva europea y, finalmente, su incorporación a la Unión como desean los albaneses. Pero sabemos que este proceso exige esfuerzos, exige compromisos firmes, y no podemos ocultar que existen también grandes déficits en lo que se refiere a organización institucional, Estado de Derecho, legislación electoral, policía, justicia y libertades de expresión y de manifestación.

Estos déficits parece que se han hecho visibles en una reciente operación policial contra el principal grupo de oposición iraní en el exilio, asentado en Albania, después de un acuerdo negociado con las autoridades albanesas. Una operación masiva de utilización injustificada de fuerza. No se trata de eximir a nadie del cumplimiento de la ley, porque una cosa es hacer cumplir la ley y otra muy distinta es regalar un éxito político al régimen brutalmente represor de Irán. Creo que, lamentablemente, esto último es lo que ha ocurrido.

  Νίκος Παπανδρέου (S&D). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, κυρίες και κύριοι συνάδελφοι, προσφάτως είχα την τύχη να επισκεφθώ την Αλβανία ως μέλος της ομάδας επιτήρησης των δημοτικών εκλογών. Ναι, ήταν ομαλή η διαδικασία. Ναι, συμφωνώ με αυτά που είπε ο Επίτροπος και η κ. Σάντος· έχει προχωρήσει η Αλβανία, αλλά σε κάτι έχει μείνει πάρα πολύ πίσω: Δεν μπορεί δύο ημέρες πριν τις εθνικές εκλογές να βάζει στη φυλακή μια σειρά από δημάρχους, μεταξύ άλλων τον πολύ ευαίσθητο για μας δήμαρχο της Χειμάρρας, τον Φρέντι Μπελέρη. Εκλέχτηκε τελικά μέσα από τις φυλακές. Ζητάμε την αποφυλάκισή του, εάν θέλει η Αλβανία να έχει τη στήριξη της Ελλάδας και όλων μας στην προσπάθεια να φτάσει στην Ευρώπη το ’20 και το ’30 —και το ευχόμαστε. Θέλουμε να μπούνε όλα τα Δυτικά Βαλκάνια κάποια στιγμή. Πρέπει όσο το δυνατόν συντομότερα να τηρήσει τους κανόνες του κράτους δικαίου, να εφαρμόσει τα κεφάλαια 23 και 24 και τότε θα έχει και το χειροκρότημά μας.

  Γεώργιος Κύρτσος (Renew). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, πρέπει να σας πω ότι δεν συμμερίζομαι την αισιοδοξία των περισσότερων συναδέλφων. Κατά την άποψή μου, το μεγαλύτερο εμπόδιο στην ένταξη της Αλβανίας, όπως και άλλων χωρών των Δυτικών Βαλκανίων, στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, είναι η δημιουργία προσωποπαγών καθεστώτων που ελέγχουν ασφυκτικά τον δημόσιο βίο. Ο Ράμα, που θυμίζει Βούτσιτς στην εσωτερική πολιτική, ευτυχώς όχι στην εξωτερική, ελέγχει τα ΜΜΕ, επιθυμεί έλεγχο στη δικαιοσύνη αντικαθιστώντας τον έλεγχο που είχε ο Μπερίσα, χειρίζεται θέματα της ελληνικής μειονότητας, όπως του Μπελέρη, χωρίς σεβασμό στα δικαιώματά της, έχει δημιουργήσει μια συμμαχία συμφερόντων που ελέγχει την οικονομία της χώρας, ανέχεται τον ρόλο του οργανωμένου εγκλήματος. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση δεν πρέπει να συμβιβαστεί με αυτές τις πρακτικές, ορισμένες από τις οποίες κερδίζουν έδαφος και σε κράτη μέλη. Με προβληματίζει, για παράδειγμα, ότι η ετήσια έκθεση των Δημοσιογράφων Χωρίς Σύνορα αξιολογεί το επίπεδο της ελευθερίας των μέσων ενημέρωσης στην Ελλάδα λίγο χειρότερα από το πολύ χαμηλό της Αλβανίας. Συμφωνώ, η διεύρυνση είναι αναγκαία από στρατηγική άποψη, αλλά περνά υποχρεωτικά από τον εκδημοκρατισμό και τον σεβασμό του κράτους δικαίου, χωρίς εκπτώσεις.

Catch-the-eye procedure

  Mick Wallace (The Left). – Madam President, there is a paternalistic logic underpinning accession to the EU: supposedly ‘primitive’ countries must catch up to the more advanced’ Western European countries and incorporate EU values.

These Commission reports talk about a fantasy world where Western interference is erased. Corruption, abysmal social safety nets, crumbling infrastructure and inequality of outcome must be addressed, but let’s not talk about the string of leaders vetted by the West who allowed the market to rip through Albania’s most valuable assets, who scrapped laws that protected workers rights and social security programmes, who prioritised the foreign direct investment that crushed local industry and facilitated what can only be called the theft of state properties that went to Western investors for a pittance!

The drive towards accession in the aftermath of the pillage drives politics in Albania in just one direction. There is no vision, there is endless vague talk of corruption while no one addresses the plight of the people or wealth redistribution. Dissatisfaction and protests are growing.

(End of catch-the-eye procedure)

  Olivér Várhelyi, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, thank you very much for this debate.

I think that we all need to welcome the tremendous support rendered by the European Parliament for Albania’s EU integration and also for the ongoing accession negotiations. As announced, we are planning to finish all the screening sessions by November this year and we are looking forward to the next steps.

The future of this country surely belongs to the European Union, and I think this is the country that has done the most in this mandate not only to catch up, but also to make real progress on the ground and change the realities also for businesses and people on the ground.

  Isabel Santos, relatora. – Senhora Presidente, Senhor Comissário, Caras e Caros Colegas, é com grande regozijo que assinalo o amplo consenso no debate deste relatório, um consenso que se notou ao longo da discussão e que permitiu que o texto fosse tão abrangente quanto é e contemporizador das mais diversas soluções.

Como bem disse aqui o Senhor Comissário, a Albânia tem feito sérias reformas, reformas muito importantes e que são importantes não só para o processo de adesão, mas também para a qualidade de vida das suas populações e para a qualidade da sua democracia e do seu Estado de Direito.

E por falar em democracia e Estado de Direito, quero dar aqui eco às preocupações manifestadas por diversos colegas de diversas bancadas relativas ao Presidente de Câmara Beleri. É um caso que está a ser acompanhado pelas entidades judiciais da Albânia e nós, no mais estrito respeito pela separação de poderes, devemos respeitar aquelas que são as decisões judiciais.

No entanto, deixo aqui a minha garantia pessoal a todos os colegas de todos os grupos parlamentares, de que eu, pessoalmente, acompanharei o desenvolvimento deste caso e velarei para que os princípios do Estado de Direito sejam escrupulosamente respeitados.

E penso que, com esta minha garantia e com esta minha abordagem franca e direta do problema, devem ser sanadas quaisquer outras discussões que estão para lá da temporalidade deste relatório e que não devem ficar neste relatório.

Espero que este meu apelo e esta minha determinação na abordagem do problema sejam tidos em conta e que possamos resolver, de uma forma coerente e consistente, esta questão.

  President. – The debate is closed. The vote will be held tomorrow.