European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman David McAllister said the European Union should advance membership negotiations whenever countries meet reform conditions. He spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana.

McAllister said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has increased the strategic importance of EU enlargement. At the same time, he warned that prolonged uncertainty in the Western Balkans could create opportunities for greater negative influence by third parties.

Regarding Albania, McAllister noted that the country has opened all 6 negotiating clusters and met interim benchmarks. He added that Albania provisionally closed 3 chapters in July. According to McAllister, these achievements reflect the work of the government, Parliament and other actors involved in the integration process.

However, he urged Albania to continue reforms. He highlighted judicial independence and stronger results in the fight against corruption. In addition, he called for better public services. McAllister also stressed the role of parliaments in the accession process. He said MPs must adopt necessary legislation, hold governments accountable and ensure that commitments become actions.

Meanwhile, McAllister said the European Parliament will continue supporting Albania and Montenegro. He stressed that both candidate countries must advance reforms. At the same time, he said the EU must turn progress into further steps toward membership.

/a.p./