Tag: Albania
Concerns are emerging in Brussels and Washington about attempts to block #Albania justice system reforms
Amid a growing chorus of dissent within Albania’s opposition Democratic Party, concerns are emerging in Brussels and Washington about attempts to block the nation’s justice system reforms, writes Martinn Banks. The reforms, aimed at ridding the courts of corrupt and incompetent judges and prosecutors, is a key prerequisite before EU accession negotiations can begin but was being […]
#Albania: Prime Minister Edi Rama confirms 18 June election date
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has confirmed that parliamentary elections will proceed on 18 June as required by the nation’s constitution, writes Martin Banks. This follows the opposition Democratic Party’s rejection of a European Union-proposed solution to the party’s disagreements with the Socialist Party Government, The announcement followed talks involving German MEP David McAllister, Chairman of […]
EU steps up pressure on #Albania opposition to take part in upcoming election
The US ambassador to Albania says that the upcoming election in Albania could go ahead without the participation of the opposition Democratic party, writes Martin Banks. Donald Lu (pictured), ambassador since 2014, said it was “better” if the 18 June election had the participation of all political parties. But, in an interview, he added: “Also, […]
Fears of fresh violence ahead of MEP delegation visit to #Albania
The European Union’s top diplomat has called on the Democratic Party-led opposition in Albania to end its ongoing parliamentary boycott and re-engage in the legislative process, writes Martin Banks. The demand, by Federica Mogherini (pictured), the EU’s High Representative/vice president, comes amid rising tensions in Albania and on the eve of a high level EU […]
EU warns that blocking judicial reform ‘harms present and future of #Albania’
Pressure on Albania’s Democratic Party to take part in the country’s upcoming elections has intensified with an intervention by two senior EU political figures, writes Martin Banks. Parliamentary elections are scheduled on 18 June in Albania but the Democratic party (DP) has announced a Parliamentary boycott. It is now refusing to register for the June election, threatening […]
Upcoming elections will be ‘real test’ of #Albania EU credentials says report
A major new report has heralded economic growth in Albania but warned that the “real test” will come in the country’s upcoming national elections, writes Martin Banks. The report, by BMI Research, says the Albanian economy is “among the fastest growing” in the region. This is in line with a separate analysis by Albania’s official […]
MEP accuses #Albanian opposition party of block EU accession
A senior Member of the European Parliament has accused Albania’s main opposition party of effectively blocking reforms widely seen as being vital in keeping the country’s EU accession ambitions alive, writes Martin Banks. Slovakian centre-right member Eduard Kukan was highly critical of the current position of Albania’s Democratic Party (DP) which, he warned, threatens to […]
