EU-Albania agreement: stabilisation and association agreement. Report on the work of the High Level Steering Group

Adopting by 390 votes to 7, with 11 abstentions, the report by Mrs Doris Pack (PPE-DE, D) on the preparation of a stabilisation and association agreement with Albania, the European Parliament has overwhelmingly backed the position of its lead committee (see the summary for 16 April 2002). It should be noted that the House has echoed the committee's insistence on respect for democracy, the rule of law and democratic institutions in the negotiations for a future agreement. Parliament also considers it essential that the stabilisation agreement should guarantee the right of minorities to receive education and training. In addition, the agreement must require Albania to readmit its citizens. Finally, the House wishes to see the emergence of a strong civil society in Albania. �