BRUSSELS – Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn give statement on the adoption of the “decriminalisation” law in Albania. “Thursday was an important date for the Parliament of Albania” said Hahn.
Following several months of debate amongst political parties, members of the Parliament adopted the constitutional amendments and legislative framework necessary to introduce a clear discipline for the exclusion of criminal offenders from public offices (the so called “decriminalisation” law).
This legislative development is expected to further strengthen the rule of law, enhance integrity amongst public officials, boost fight against corruption, but also increase citizens’ confidence in the functioning of the state and its institutions.
Commissioner Hahn welcomes the adoption of this legislative package which demonstrates that constructive cross-party dialogue is the best way to pursue reforms needed for the country.
For Hahn the EU reiterates that Albania is facing a number of very delicate reform challenges, which require constructive dialogue amongst all political parties. “Progress on the reform agenda is important to move the country forward on its path towards European integration, as well as to further guarantee the entrenchment of the rule of law” conclude Hahn.