Albania 2006 progress report. Commission staff working document.

Abstract

Since March 2002, the Commission has reported regularly to the Council and Parliament on progress made by the countries of the Western Balkans region. This progress report largely follows the same structure as in the previous years. The report: –briefly describes the relations between Albania and the Union; –analyses the situation in Albania in terms of the political criteria for membership; –analysis the situation in Albania on the basis of the economic criteria for membership; –reviews Albania's capacity to gradually approximate its legislation and policies with those of the acquis, in line with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the European Partnership priorities; The period covered by this report is 1 October 2005 to 30 September 2006. Progress is measured on the basis of decisions taken, legislation adopted and the measures implemented. As a rule, legislation or measures which are under preparation or await Parliamentary approval have not been taken into account. This approach ensures equal treatment across all reports and permits an objective assessment.