Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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144. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he can support an application by Albania to join the EU, with particular reference to that country's ambition to do so at an early date; if it is expected, having regard to that country's ability to observe the acquis communautaire; the extent to which he expects the EU to respond positively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31103/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Albania applied for membership of the European Union in April 2009. Following an analysis of Albania's legislation and political readiness for membership, the European Commission published an Opinion on Albania's application in October 2010, which identified a series of reforms and challenges for Albania to overcome in order to be granted the status of a Candidate Country. A major test for Albania was holding fair and democratic , which resulted in the peaceful change of government. In October 2013, the European Commission recommended granting Albania the status of Candidate Country, the next step in the accession process. At the General Affairs Council on 24 June 2014,EU Ministers agreed to grant Candidate Status to Albania. This decision was subsequently endorsed by the European Council.

In granting Candidate Status, EU Ministers also set out, in detailed Council conclusions, the issues that Albania will need to address before it can move to the opening of accession negotiations, which is the next stage in the enlargement process. These issues include stepping up the fight against organised crime and corruption, reforming the public administration and the judiciary, and enhancing protection of human rights and anti-discrimination policies. The European Commission will report, though its regular progress reports and on the basis of the output of the EU-Albania high level dialogue, in a comprehensive and detailed manner on Albania's progress on the key priorities. Once Albania has made sufficient progress, Member States will consider, on the basis of a recommendation from the European Commission, the opening of accession negotiations.

Ireland has consistently supported Albania on its EU path. Ireland strongly supported granting Candidate Status at last month's General Affairs Council given the real progress the country has made in undertaking the necessary reforms. We believe that the positive decision on Candidate Status will encourage the Government and people of Albania to continue the reform momentum, to meet the necessary steps to move to the next stage of the accession process, and to help bring stability and prosperity to the country.