Draft laws on integration presented/ Balla: We will complete EU membership within the new mandate

2025-03-11 13:36:00, Politikë CNA

Draft laws on integration presented/ Balla: We will complete EU membership

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Relations, Taulant Balla, stated that the Albanian government expects that in 2028, the ratification of the agreement for Albania's membership in the European Union will begin in the parliaments of the bloc's member states.

Presenting today in several parliamentary committees two draft laws related to Albania's integration into the European Union, Balla spoke about the government's expectations after May 11.

"It is worth emphasizing that the expectations of the Albanian government are that within 2027, that is, by Christmas 2027, we will have concluded the agreement for membership in the European Union and during 2028, the ratification of this agreement by the parliaments of the member states of the European Union will begin to crown it within our new governing mandate that begins on May 11 with the completion of Albania's membership in the European Union," said Balla.

Balla specifically presented the draft law on the Reform and Growth Facility Agreement between Albania and the European Union and the amendments to the law on the Audit Agency for EU Assistance Programs in Albania.

Regarding the "facility" agreement, Balla said that it is complementary to existing pre-accession instruments, such as IPA, and aims to accelerate the country's structural reforms.

"The facility will enable financing of 922 million euros, of which 264 million euros in the form of a grant and 658 million euros as a loan, which will be used to support reforms and strategic investments through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF)," Balla declared.

He also announced that Albania has already submitted the first request for the disbursement of 7% of the funds, worth 64.5 million euros, paving the way for the implementation of the envisaged measures.

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Relations, Taulant Balla, also presented the draft law on amendments to the law on the Audit Agency for EU Assistance Programmes in Albania. According to Balla, this draft law aims to increase transparency and effectiveness in the management of European funds.

"The legal changes aim to address inconsistencies with EU rules and international best practices, particularly in the division of powers between the Director General and the Supervisory Board. According to the IPA Framework Agreements, the Director General should have full decision-making autonomy, while the Supervisory Board should remain an advisory body, without interference in the daily management of the Agency", Balla stressed.

Balla stressed that this reorganization is necessary to guarantee an independent audit process in line with international standards. He called on MPs to support this reform, which will increase the credibility of Albanian institutions and the integrity of the management of EU funds. /CNA