D-AL - European Parliament

General documents - Meeting of 22 May 2023, Brussels - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 23 May 2023 09:33:18 GMT

MEPs to discuss EU-Albania relations

On 22 May, the Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (D-AL) met in Brussels.

Members addressed the political and economic situation in Albania and the state of the country's relations with the EU following the start of accession negotiations, in view of the upcoming 16th EU-Albania SAPC meeting in Tirana.

MEPs joined for an exchange of views on the situation in Albania by H.E. Suela JANINA, Ambassador, Mission of the Republic of Albania to the EU, Ms Michela MATUELLA, Acting Director for Western Balkans in DG Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission, and Ms Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'South East Europe & Western Balkans' in the European External Action Service.

The head of EP's election observation mission Sven SIMON (EPP, DE) briefed Members on the observers' conclusions following the Albanian local election of 14 May 2023.

Agenda - 22 May 2023
Meeting Documents - 22 May 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 14 November 2022, Brussels - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 23 May 2023 09:33:12 GMT

Members have addressed the political and economic situation in Albania and the state of the country's relations with the European Union following the start of accession negotiations, in view of the upcoming 15th EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee meeting, scheduled to take place in Brussels on 1 and 2 December 2022.

Agenda - 14 November 2022
Minutes - 14 November 2022
Meeting Documents - 14 November 2022

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 7 February 2022, semi-remote - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 18:54:38 GMT

The meeting included exchange of views on the political, economic and pandemic situation in the Republic of Albania, and its relations with the European Union, with H.E. Ambassador Ms Suela JANINA, Mission of the Republic of Albania to the EU, Ms Michela MATUELLA, Head of Unit for Albania, North Macedonia, DG NEAR, European Commission, Ms Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'Western Balkans', European External Action Service

Agenda
Minutes
Meeting dossier
Webstreaming

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Provisional Calendar of Meetings for 2023 - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 07:28:04 GMT

Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee meetings

16th EU-Albania SAPC
21-22 June 2023, Tirana (Albania)

Ordinary meetings
22 May 2023, 14:00-15:30, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 2022 meetings calendar - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 22:47:49 GMT

Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee meetings

14th EU-Albania SAPC
22-24 February 2022, Tirana

15th EU-Albania SAPC
1-2 December 2022, Brussels

Ordinary meetings
7 February 2022, 13:00-14:30, semi-remotely
14 November 2022, 14:00-15:30, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 2021 meetings calendar - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 22:47:39 GMT

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the President of the European Parliament and its political leaders have modified Parliament's calendar of activities. The aim is to enable Parliament to exercise its functions and carry out its parliamentary work, while complying with the duty of care for its Members and staff and protecting public health.

While missions of Parliament's delegations are currently suspended, interparliamentary and other meetings of standing delegations and parliamentary assemblies are being organised with the possibility of remote participation by Members, visiting speakers and staff.

The calendar section of this page is updated when possible and provides more details of upcoming meetings.

Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee meetings
tbc

Ordinary meetings
15 February 2021, remote

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 2020 meetings calendar - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 22:47:34 GMT

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the President of the European Parliament and its political leaders have modified Parliament's calendar of activities. The aim is to enable Parliament to exercise its core functions, while complying with the duty of care for its Members and staff and protecting public health.

As a result, most meetings and missions of Parliament's delegations during the second semester of 2020 have been cancelled or postponed.

When the delegations are able to resume normal activities, the calendar on this page will provide details.

Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee meetings

Postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak
14th EU-Albania SAPC
7-8 April 2020, Tirana

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 2019 meetings calendar - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 22:47:23 GMT

Constitutive meeting
26 September 2019, 15:30-15:50, Brussels

Ordinary meeting
5 December 2019, 14:00-15:00, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 2018 meetings calendar - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 22:47:11 GMT

Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee meetings

12th EU-Albania SAPC
12-13 February 2018, Tirana

13th EU-Albania SAPC
15 October 2018, Brussels

Ordinary meetings
1 February 2018, 12:00-13:00, Brussels
11 October 2018, 13:00-14:00, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Joint statement by Co-Chairs of the EU-Albania SAPC, following the 15th SAPC meeting, 1-2 December 2022 (Brussels) - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 15:41:02 GMT

Following the 15th Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee Meeting, which took place on 1-2 December 2022 in Brussels, Co-Chairs Manolis Kefalogiannis (European Parliament) and Taulant Balla (Parliament of Albania) stated:

"On 1 and 2 December 2022, the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee held its 15th meeting. This was its second meeting in 2022, following the successful meeting in Tirana in February. These meetings a clear sign that both parliaments have a keen interest in maintaining a dynamic dialogue and pro-actively supporting Albania's EU integration process that has received a strong impetus with the holding of the first Intergovernmental Conference in July, and the ensuing beginning of the screening exercise.

We had sincere and fruitful exchanges on all agenda items. We are proud that our common consensus-oriented approach enabled us, once again, to conclude our meeting by adopting another set of solid recommendations that reflect our shared positions on a large number of issues, including geopolitical considerations and our unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and condemnation of the Russian aggression, achievements and challenges in the reform process, as well as protection of fundamental rights, including minority rights and media freedom, and the prospects of elimination of roaming charges between Albania and other Western Balkan countries, and EU Members."

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Latest news - 15th EU-Albania SAPC Meeting, 1-2 December 2022, Brussels - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 11:29:58 GMT

15th EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) meeting in Brussels on 1 and 2 December

On 1 and 2 December, the EP delegation, headed by Manolis Kefalogiannis (EPP, EL) will host their Albanian counterparts in Brussels, for the 15th EU-Albania SAPC meeting.

The meeting will provide members of the two delegations with an opportunity to discuss the state of play of the EU-Albania relations at an important moment, following the first Intergovernmental Conference in July, and the ensuing start of the screening process. The SAPC will also discuss the reforms in the areas of judiciary, rule of law and fundamental rights, fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as economic and environmental issues, the ongoing energy crisis, Albania's relations with neighbours and regional cooperation. The SAPC will debate and vote on recommendations expressing the two component delegations' views on the most relevant issues they would have deliberated.

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Joint meeting of 21 June 2021 on Climate Change in the Mediterranean - Delegation to the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 20 May 2022 08:58:24 GMT

On Monday, 21 June 2021 the European Parliament's Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey delegations held a joint meeting to discuss the Climate Change in the Mediterranean: situation of the UfM members in the enlargement area.

Members have exchanged views with the Vice President Mr Pedro SILVA PEREIRA, who spoke on behalf of the EP Presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA - UfM), experts from the academia, European Commission and the civil society.

Agenda 21 June 2021
Meeting documents
Minutes 21 June 2021
Poster on Joint meeting on Climate Change in the Mediterranean

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - 14th EU-Albania SAPC meeting, 23-24 February 2022, Tirana - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:08:19 GMT

The European Union-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee held its 14th meeting in Tirana on 23 and 24 February 2022, under the joint chairmanship of Mr Manolis Kefalogiannis, Chair of the EP Delegation and Mr Taulant Balla, Chair of the Albanian Parliament Delegation.

The members of the Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee addressed the following subjects:

- State of play of the accession negotiations and EU-Albania relations, in the presence of representatives of the Albanian Government, the European Commission and European External Action Service;

- Progress in rule of law, including judiciary reform, and the fight against organised crime, trafficking and corruption

- Fundamental rights, including minority rights, and media freedoms

- Political dialogue and electoral reform

- Health, including the COVID-19 pandemic

- Energy, transition to a green economy and environmental issues

- Regional cooperation

Agenda
Meeting dossier
Adopted Recommendations

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Joint meeting of 21 June 2021 on Climate Change in the Mediterranean - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:05:54 GMT

Agenda 21 June 2021
Meeting documents
Minutes 21 June 2021
Poster on Joint meeting on Climate Change in the Mediterranean

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Joint meeting of 11 May 2021 on Gender Equality & Women's Rights, remote - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:05:44 GMT

A Joint Western Balkans and Turkey Delegations' Meeting on Gender Equality & Women's Rights took place remotely via Webex on 11 May 2021.

In this meeting, Members had the possibility to discuss the state of play in gender equality and women's rights with local civil society and academia experts.

The meeting was organised under the patronage of the Chairs of the EP Enlargement delegations and was presided by Mr Tonino Picula, Chair of the AFET Working group on the Western Balkans.

Agenda 11 May 2021
Summary of the meeting: Deteriorating situation for women in Western Balkans and Turkey
Minutes 11 May 2021
Poster Gender Equality and Women's Rights in the Western Balkans and Turkey

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting of 15 February 2021, remote - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:04:43 GMT

The meeting included an exchange of views on the state of play of EU-Albania relations and recent developments in Albania with H.E. Ms Suela JANINA, Ambassador of Albania to the European Union, Ms Michela MATUELLA, Head of Unit, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina Unit, DG Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission, and Ms Ulla HAKANEN, Deputy Head of Division 'Western Balkans' in the European External Action Service.

Members also exchanged views with Albanian civil society representatives on the:

judicial system and fundamental rights with Ms Ina XHEPA, European Centre Executive Director;
impact of Covid-19 on youth and mental health with Ms Armela PENGILI, Act for Society Centre Executive Director.

Agenda
Meeting documents
Minutes

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Joint meeting of 21 June 2021 on Climate Change in the Mediterranean - Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:57:44 GMT

Agenda 21 June 2021
Meeting documents
Minutes 21 June 2021
Poster on Joint meeting on Climate Change in the Mediterranean

Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP

General documents - Joint meeting of 21 June 2021 on Climate Change in the Mediterranean - Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 08:42:27 GMT

Agenda 21 June 2021
Meeting documents 21 June 2021
Minutes 21 June 2021
Poster on Joint meeting on Climate Change in the Mediterranean

Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP

General documents - Annual Resolutions on Commission Reports on Albania - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 07:18:55 GMT

In recent years, the European Parliament has passed a resolution each year scrutinising Albania's accession to the European Union and commenting on the Commission's enlargement reports.

In the last few years, Parliament has commended the progress achieved in:

meeting the political criteria for membership,
adoption of the comprehensive judicial reform,
continuous implementation of public administration reform,
adoption of key anti-corruption legislation,
full alignment with relevant EU declarations and Council conclusions,
cooperation with CSOs.

Parliament has also expressed its concerns about:

Electoral Reform, need to address all OSCE/ODIHR recommendations,
corruption, which continues to pose a serious problem,
need to eradicate drug cultivation, production and trafficking,
protection of human and minority rights, anti-discrimination policies,
freedom of media,
enforcement of environmental law,
number of asylum applications by Albanians in the EU.

Resolution of 25 March 2021 on the 2019-2020 Commission Reports on Albania
Resolution of 29 November 2018 on the 2018 Commission Report on Albania
Resolution of 15 February 2017 on the 2016 Commission Report on Albania
Resolution of 14 April 2016 on the 2015 Progress Report on Albania
Resolution of 30 April 2015 on the 2014 Progress Report on Albania
Resolution of 12 December 2013 on the 2013 Progress Report on Albania
Resolution of 13 December 2012 on the 2012 Progress Report on Albania

General documents - MEPs urge the Council to stop delaying EU accession talks further, 8 December 2020 - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 09:43:27 GMT

In the run-up to next meeting of European Affairs ministers today, MEPs call on the Council to approve the negotiating frameworks for North Macedonia and Albania.

In the statement on North Macedonia and Albania, signed by more than 20 MEPs, representatives of political groups urge all parties involved to find a solution to ensure that accession negotiations will begin before the end of the year.

Warning that current hold-up in accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania is jeopardizing the European Union's credibility in the Western Balkans, they call on Bulgaria and North Macedonia to find a compromise on pending bilateral issues to avoid delaying the accession process any further.

Bulgaria should approve the opening of the intergovernmental conference (IGC) with North Macedonia as soon as possible and in any case in December, thereby acknowledging the country's efforts in the EU accession process. North Macedonia, in its role as a future accession country, should also make every effort possible from its side to resolve the outstanding issues, stress MEPs in their statement.

Albania also deserves to move forward on its path to EU accession, say MEPs, pointing to its comprehensive efforts to reform, in particular in the justice sector, over the last few years, as well as the Commission's positive assessment. They add that effort is also needed by Albania in several areas, on its way to meet all the conditions laid out in the Council Conclusions.

You can read the full statement and the list of signatories here.

MEPs urge the Council to stop delaying EU accession talks further

General documents - The stakes are high for Albania, warn leading MEPs, 17 July 2020 - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 08:28:43 GMT

In a joint statement, the three MEPs send a firm message: If Albania wants to start the accession negotiations, it has to fulfill its commitments.

In a joint statement, the Foreign Affairs Committee Chair David McAllister (EPP, DE), the standing Rapporteur for Albania Isabel Santos (S&D, PT) and the Chair of the Parliament´s Delegation for Albania Manolis Kefalogiannis (EPP, EL) urged the Parliament of Albania to swiftly adopt the 5 June Agreement on Electoral Reform

"We expect that the parliamentary majority will adopt the necessary changes without undermining the consensus reached between the Government and the Opposition on 5 June. It is important to reach an agreement, maintaining the dialogue and consensus with all political parties, so that the first conference for membership negotiations can be convened, and therefore continue the European integration process.

Each country is free to set and improve its electoral system according to the national context and consensus. However, best international practices recommend that any changes to the electoral system should be conducted in a comprehensive and transparent manner starting at least one year before the next planned elections. We believe that Albania will respect these recommendations and will work further towards achieving sustainable results in the key reform areas.

The European Parliament is committed to support Albania on its European integration path and is ready to work with the Albanian Parliament in facilitating dialogue and building consensus on the crucial reforms in the areas of democracy, rule of law and accountability that are necessary for the country's EU future." (...)

The full text of the press release in the below link.

The stakes are high for Albania, warn leading MEPs

General documents - Meeting of 5 December 2019, Brussels - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 14:51:09 GMT

The meeting included an exchange of views on the political and economic situation in Albania and on its relations with the EU, with:

Ms Suela JANINA, Ambassador of Albania to the EU,
Mr Georg ZIEGLER, Deputy Head of Unit for Albania, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina Unit, DG Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission,
Ms Elsa FENET, Head of Division 'Western Balkans' in the European External Action Service.

Draft agenda 5 December 2019
Meeting documents 5 December 2019
Minutes 5 December 2019

General documents - Westerns Balkans summit must bring step-change and strengthen democracy, say MEPs - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Tue, 05 May 2020 09:56:37 GMT

The Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, delegation chairs and standing rapporteurs for the Western Balkans countries confirm EU´s commitment to continue transforming the region.

In a joint statement, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the standing rapporteurs and the chairs of delegations of the European Parliament for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia welcome the Western Balkans summit of 6 May as an opportunity to reconfirm the EU's historical, political and financial commitment to the region. They consider the summit to also be an opportunity for the Western Balkans participants to affirm their adherence to the rule of law, democracy and continued reforms.

"We welcome the virtual Western Balkans summit, which can deepen ties between the EU and Southeastern Europe.

It shows that any hurdle can be overcome in the commitment to the enlargement process and that fully-fledged EU membership is the ultimate goal. Such public expressions of solidarity are more important than ever, as disinformation campaigns attempt to create divisions.

During these difficult times, the European Parliament stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its Western Balkans partners and we reaffirm our unprecedented political, financial and medical assistance to the people of the region." (...)

The full text of the press release in the below link.

Westerns Balkans summit must bring step-change and strengthen democracy, say MEPs

General documents - Opening accession negotiations with Albania - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 09:05:10 GMT

Statement by Mr Manolis Kefalogiannis, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC):

On 24 March 2020, the General Affairs Council gave its political approval to open accession negotiations with Albania. I would like to congratulate the Albanian authorities and the Albanian people for this long-awaited and well-deserved decision.

To reach this moment, Albania has consistently delivered essential reforms and shown a true commitment towards EU integration. We are all aware that the path towards full accession is still long and that the country needs to continue delivering on key reforms in order to meet the pre-conditions to open accession talks, in line with the Council conclusions of 25 March 2020. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the determination of Albanian authorities, the opposition forces, the civil society and the support of the Albanian people will contribute to the success of this endeavour.

I would like to underline the key role of the Albanian parliament in driving the accession process forward and to offer the full support and cooperation of the European Parliament to this end. The SAPC will continue to be an essential platform to address the challenges and opportunities ahead and to help to bring together the governing forces and the opposition to adopt the reforms the country needs.

This decision comes at a difficult time, as Albania, as the rest of Europe, is tackling the devastating effects of the COVID-19. The EU stands ready to help Albania and the other Western Balkan countries in addressing this pandemia, by mobilising funds and opening, whenever possible, EU programmes to their participation. But, the decision also comes at a crucial time for the EU enlargement policy, when a new methodology has just been adopted that will make the process more predictable and transparent and just a few weeks ahead of the Zagreb Summit which should give this policy a new impetus.

General documents - Constitutive meeting of 26 September 2019, Brussels - Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 10:14:22 GMT

During the constitutive meeting, the Chair and the Vice-Chairs of the delegation were elected:

Chair: Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS (EPP, EL)

1st Vice-Chair: Bettina VOLLATH (S&D,AT)

2nd Vice-Chair: Vlad-Marius BOTOŞ (RE, RO)

Meeting documents 26 September 2019
Press release 26 September 2019
Minutes 26 September 2019