European Commission - Press release
Commission reports on progress made by Albania and North Macedonia
Brussels, 2 March 2020
Today, the Commission presented updates on the progress made by Albania and North Macedonia in
further addressing rule of law related reforms, in particular in the areas set by the Council in June
2018. Both countries have delivered further tangible and sustainable results and therefore the
Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia
remains valid.
Upon the presentation of the reports Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér
Várhelyi commented: “After the February adoption of the revised methodology for the accession
process, we are today presenting our updates on Albania and North Macedonia. They show that the
countries stepped up their work and delivered further tangible and sustainable results in the key areas
identified in the Council Conclusions of June 2018. The Commission stands firmly by its
recommendations to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia and I hope that
the Member States will take a positive decision in the coming weeks.”
2020 – working on a three-track approach
The Western Balkans are a priority for the Commission, which is following a three-track approach in
2020. On 5 February, the Commission has set out its proposal to drive forward the EU accession
process by making it more credible, more dynamic, more predictable and give it a stronger political
steer. In parallel, the Commission stands firmly by its recommendations to open accession negotiations
with Albania and North Macedonia, as both continue to deliver on the reforms. Thirdly, in preparation
of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Zagreb on 6 and 7 May, the Commission will come forward with
an economic development and investment plan for the region.
In today's updates, the Commission factually and objectively describes the progress of both countries
from June 2018 to today in the areas highlighted by the Council.
In the case of Albania, the update outlines progress in the implementation of justice reform and the
vetting process of judges and prosecutors, on the track record demonstrated in the fight against
corruption and organised crime, including when it comes to cannabis cultivation and hard drugs
trafficking. It also points to other relevant issues, such as agreement on the way forward to electoral
reform and efforts to tackle unfounded asylum claims.
In the case of North Macedonia, the update covers significant steps taken to strengthen independence
of judiciary, including the recent adoption of the revised law on the Public Prosecutor's Office. It shows
an improved track record in the fight against corruption and organised crime as well as progress in the
reform of intelligence services and public administration.
Background
In April 2018, the European Commission recommended to open accession negotiations with Albania
and North Macedonia. In June 2018, the Council acknowledged progress and set out the path towards
opening accession negotiations, depending on progress made in certain key areas.
Following further positive recommendations by the Commission in May 2019, the Council postponed its
decision to June and then October 2019 before deciding to revert to the issue of enlargement before
the Zagreb Summit in May 2020.
The General Affairs Council in March 2020 is expected to discuss the way ahead for enlargement policy,
based on the revised methodology, as well as progress made by North Macedonia and Albania, with a
view to opening accession talks. The European Commission will present in a few months a more
detailed assessment of the general state of play in all the enlargement partners in its annual
enlargement package.
For More Information
Update on Albania
Update on North Macedonia
Press release: A more credible, dynamic, predictable and political EU accession process - Commission
lays out its proposals
Factograph: Albania on its European path
Factograph: North Macedonia on its European path
Website: Delegation of the European Union to Albania
Website: Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of North Macedonia
IP/20/347
Press contacts:
Ana PISONERO-HERNANDEZ (+32 2 295 43 20)
Alceo SMERILLI (+ 32 2 296 48 87)
General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email
