EU forms Advisory Committee to accelerate Western Balkans’ membership bid

The European Commission has launched a Joint Advisory Committee to fast-track EU membership for candidate countries, including Albania. This committee will guide, monitor, and support reforms while engaging civil society in the process.

Why is this important

Albanian PM Edi Rama and European Economic and Social Committee President Oliver Röpke announced the initiative at a press conference. Rama stressed, “It brings us a lot of new energy that we have been able to create the Joint Advisory Committee, which is not only proof of our commitment but also of our strong belief that the integration process is not just a matter for the government but for all citizens, including civil society. It allows us to show our citizens and stakeholders, not just through our words but through this institution, how important it is that the path to EU membership is one that involves all of civil society, not just a few actors.”

Details:

• Funded by the European Commission and managed by the European Economic and Social Committee, the committee will provide structured support, monitoring progress and offering guidance on EU standards.
• Rama emphasized the committee’s role in making the integration process transparent to Albanian citizens, enhancing the involvement of society beyond governmental actions.

What’s Next:

• Rama discussed advocating for Albanian representation in the European Parliament, without voting rights, to prepare for future MEPs. “We are advocating to be present… with teams that will start preparing for the phase when we have our own MEPs,” said Rama. “Why start from zero? We should be there with a defined status, ready to welcome our future Albanian MEPs.”

Context and Strategic Implications:

• This pilot project is a part of broader efforts by Albania to align more closely with EU values and processes. Rama described the committee as crucial for showing how the integration path involves all parts of society.
• The initiative reflects Albania’s active approach to EU membership, which not only addresses the technical aspects of the EU accession process but also ensures citizens are engaged and informed.

Bottom Line:

Albania is positioning itself strategically through the Joint Advisory Committee and parliamentary representation to deepen its relationship with the EU. These efforts highlight the country’s commitment to meeting EU standards and integrating broader society into the membership journey, setting the stage for a stronger collaboration with the European community.