On February 2nd, representatives of the European Commission discussed the latest developments in the areas of education, research and innovation, information and social policy with the relevant Albanian authorities.
The Commission appreciated Albania’s efforts to make progress in these areas and to address the effects of the pandemic and the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis.
Furthermore, it underlined the need to support reforms, actions and investments in the fields of employment and vocational education and training (VET), social protection, education, research and innovation systems with the necessary funding.
The Commission welcomed Albania’s agreement with Horizon Europe and the good results achieved in this program in 2022, encouraging the Albanian authorities to identify EU research initiatives in which the country can actively participate.
Now Albania will have to adopt the necessary amendments to the Law on Electronic Communications, in alignment with the new European electronic Communication Code and improve its cybersecurity, in accordance with the directive on network and information security.
The European Commission has positively assessed the progress in the education sector, including digital skills development, and invited Albania to benefit from the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme, including the new opportunities offered by European universities.
Commercial laws
The Albanian authorities and representatives of the European Union also examined the commercial companies law. Albania’s progress on issues such as company’s constitution, capital and information requirements, corporate operations and planned strategies to align nationals laws with the European legislation was positively assessed.
One of the key points for the complete integration of Albania into the single European market is the chapter relating to the free movement of goods. About thirty experts from different institutions presented their conclusions on the compatibility and standardization of products to the European Commission.
In the Western Balkans the entry into force of the three regional mobility agreements of the Berlin Process summit marks the first step towards the development of a Common Regional Market. These agreements include measures to facilitate freedom of movement and employment, thanks to the recognition of identity documents, academic degrees and qualifications for a range of professionals within the region.
As Ursula von der Leyen underlined, “freedom of movement involves 18 million citizens and integration into the Common Regional Market is essential to get closer to the EU Single Market”.
