The European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee recently approved the report on the European Commission's assessment of Albania on the path to European integration during 2021. ABC journalist Erisa Zykaj conducted an interview with the rapporteur for Albania in the European Parliament, Isabel Santos.

In the interview, Santos said that the European Parliament assessed with one voice that Albania is ready for the official opening of membership negotiations in the European Union and a date should be set for holding the first intergovernmental conference.

Portuguese MEP noted that her report has specific recommendations for key reforms to improve the country's democratic process, the fight against corruption and fundamental rights.

"Yes, we clearly say that Albania meets the conditions for holding the first intergovernmental conference and we call on the Council of Ministers of the European Union to set a date for this conference very soon. The report on Albania was approved by a large majority of MEPs: 66 votes in favor, 3 against, 4 abstentions. The European Union must also understand the dangers and challenges posed to the Western Balkans region by the war in Ukraine and must adhere to its commitment to expand with the region," she said.

Santos commented that Albania should improve the political dialogue, work to build a new political culture, although the situation is more positive compared to the impasse of recent years.

Santos listed some issues that need to be considered by the Albanian authorities. "We also pay attention to media issues. There is a positive change in the justice reform that is reflected in the approval of the extension of the mandate of the Vetting bodies. Albania has specific problems in the fight against corruption. Therefore, we have made the necessary recommendations to move forward, including with the final sentences for corruption of senior officials, if justice deems it so. Regarding US sanctions on the Western Balkans, we say we agree with them and see it as an opportunity to have the same approach," Santos said.