Solana stimuleert Albanië tot verdergaande hervormingen (en)

The EU's high representative Javier Solana yesterday pressed Albania to push ahead with reforms in order to bring the country closer to the EU.

"I would like Albania to carry out more reforms" said Mr Solana.

The EU is currently in negotiation with Albania to forge a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, commonly seen as the first step toward EU membership for Balkan states.

However, emigration from the country, organised crime and corruption continue to dog progress.

During his visit to Brussels, the Albanian Prime Minister said "we [Albania and the EU] share the same feelings and evaluation" while recognising the need to make negotiations more dynamic.

The EU has consistently outlined Albania's role in stabilising the Balkans.

Albania is trailing other countries in the Western Balkans on the path to integration into the EU.