EU on the formation of a new government of Albania

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union regarding the formation of a new government of Albania

The EU welcomes the conclusion of the election process in Albania, which has resulted in the first peaceful transfer of power since the fall of Communism. The Union congratulates the Government of Prime Minister Berisha on its appointment by the new Parliament. It calls on the new Parliament and the new Government to advance Albania's progress towards EU integration by beginning work without delay and with genuine commitment on a clear and strong reform agenda. Tangible progress is required, on strengthening the rule of law and on electoral reform in particular.

Recalling the conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 July 2005, the EU reaffirms its commitment to support Albania's ambition of moving closer to the EU and stresses that the key to further progress is in the hands of the Albanian authorities. The Union encourages all political forces in Albania to unify their efforts to accelerate that process.

The Candidate Countries Turkey and Croatia*, and the EFTA countries Iceland and

Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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