Activities of Eleni THEOCHAROUS related to 2016/2312(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
2016 Report on Albania (debate) EL
Amendments (10)
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Albania’'s continuous progress on EU-related reforms, in particular the adoption of constitutional amendments paving the way for a comprehensive judicial reform; stresses that not only consistent adoption but also full and timely implementation of reforms and sustained political commitment as well as exclusion of criminal offenders from public offices, are essential in order to further advance the EU accession process;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Fully supports Albania's accession to the EU, and calls for the accession negotiations to be opened as soon as there is credible progress in the implementation of judicial reform, in order to keep the reform momentum; expects Albania to consolidate the progress achieved and to maintain the pace of progress on implementation of all key priorities;
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commends the consensual adoption of the constitutional amendments for judicial reform and the adoption of laws on the institutional reorganisation of the judiciary; calls for the swift adoption and implementation of all relevant accompanying laws and by-laws, in particular the law on the re-evaluation (vetting) of judges, prosecutors and legal advisors; notes that the application of the vetting law has been suspended by the Constitutional Court, and that the latter has requested the opinion of the Venice Commission on its constitutionality; reiterates that a comprehensive judicial reform is a major demand by Albania’'s citizens for re-establishing trust in their political representatives and public institutions, and that the credibility and effectiveness of the overall reform process, including the fight against corruption and organised crime, depend on the success of the vetting process and judicial reform; regrets, however, that the administration of justice continued to be slow and insufficient, and that corruption remained prevalent across the sector;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the efforts towards a more citizen-friendly public administration and steady progress in the implementation of public administration reform; calls for further progress in strengthening the application of the Civil Service Law and the Law on Administrative Procedures, in order to safeguard the independence of regulatory bodies, improve recruitment procedures based on merit and performance, and enhance institutional and human resource capacities, with a view to ensuring efficient conduct of EU accession negotiations; commends the National Council for European Integration on its initiatives to enhance the capacities of public administration and civil society in monitoring the implementation of accession-related reforms; reiterates that further progress in the reform of the public administration is key towards a more efficient, depoliticised and professional public administration;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the adoption of key pieces of anti-corruption legislation, including on the protection of whistle- blowers; regrets, however, that corruption remains high and prevalent in many areas and continues to pose a serious problem; is concerned, however, that key anti-corruption institutions continue to be subject to political interference and have limited administrative capacities; stresses the need for a more adequate legal framework for conflicts of interest, regulating lobbying and better interinstitutional cooperation, especially between police and prosecution services, with a view to improving their track record as regards investigation, prosecution and conviction, including in high level cases; in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections, calls for effective oversight of political party financing; reaffirms that addressing corruption at high level through proactive investigations and systematic risk assessments is key;
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls upon the Albanian authorities to fully respect the rights of Greek minority and extend such a legal status within the entire territory in accordance with the relevant International Conventions;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Calls upon the Albanian Authorities to end any changes conducted or planned to be put forward regarding the boundaries of Municipalities and Communities, as well as any other administrative changes aimed at changing the demographic character and negatively affect the Greek minority;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls upon the Albanian authorities to demonstrate full respect for religious, educational and other proprietary and human rights of minorities in line with the relevant International Conventions;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Calls on the Albanian authorities to fully respect the rights of homosexuals putting an end to racial discrimination;
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Emphasises the importance of strengthening social dialogue, the involvement of CSOs, the capacities of social partners, and enforcement mechanisms for social rights; urges the government to modernise the education system with a view to better equipping young people with skills and knowledge in line with labour market needs; emphasises the importance of IPA (Instrument for Pre- accession Assistance) support dedicated to education, employment and social policies;