Press Releases

13. 2. 2009 16:54

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the Albanian Lustration Law

The European Union recalls, as pointed out during the recent demarche with the Government of Albania, that the new Law on Lustration gives rise to concern with regard to certain aspects on both procedure and substance. Wider consultation and consensus would have been appropriate prior to the passing of the law. Therefore, the EU encourages the Government of Albania to reconsider the legal and political ramifications of the Lustration Law.

The EU urges the Government of Albania to safeguard - also in the process of lustration - the independence of constitutional institutions, in particular the Constitutional Court, and of judges and prosecutors.

The EU recommends that the law should comply with constitutional requirements and international standards. In this context, the EU considers that the Constitutional Court should be able to rule on the constitutionality of the law before it is implemented. The EU also stresses the importance of ensuring an inclusive political dialogue.

The EU reiterates that the Council of Europe, the OSCE and EU experts stand ready to provide advice and assistance to the Albanian authorities in finding ways to achieve the legitimate objective of dealing with the past in full compliance with relevant standards.

Recalling the Council Conclusions adopted on 8 December 2008, the European Union stresses the importance of the rule of law and independence of the judiciary as part of the political criteria for EU accession.

The EU will continue to closely follow developments.

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