The Stabilisation and Association Committee between Albania and the European Union held its ninth meeting on 25 October 2018 in Tirana. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Michela Matuella, Head of Unit at the Directorate General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission, and by Mr. Gent Cakaj, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania.

The Stabilisation and Association Committee presented an opportunity to take stock of Albania’s progress in various areas of cooperation, notably rule of law, public administration, trade, economic development, agriculture and fisheries, industry, internal market, information society, social policy, transport, energy and environment.

The European Commission welcomed the achievements in all areas, including in the judicial reform and stressed the importance of its further consolidation. It also underlined the need for further tangible results in the fight against corruption at all levels and in the fight against organised crime, while acknowledging the recent results in particular the actions of the Albanian State Police on the cultivation and trafficking of drugs. Ensuring that recent operations result in final convictions is key.

The European Commission reiterated that constructive political dialogue and cooperation in the Parliament between the government and the opposition is essential for progress and sustainability of EU integration related reforms.

The European Commission and Albania agreed on the importance of the continuation of efforts to address the phenomenon of unfounded asylum applications to EU Member States. The European Commission acknowledged the constructive engagement of Albania in regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations and encouraged the authorities to maintain it as an essential element of European integration.