Mr. Meta, why was Albania not included in the list of the three countries ( Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia), which benefited from visa liberalization as of last December (2009)?
Answer: The question you ask as to why Albania was not in the list of the three Western Balkan countries (Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia) that benefited from visa liberalization requires an answer which is equally complex in technical terms and simple in the political and historical context.
Permit me to give an overview of these two aspects in more concrete and practical terms, since the opposition has not seldon made speculations with this issue, intending to artificially gain political capital.
It has to be emphasized from the outset that visa liberalization is a proces to be crowned through the full compliance with a set of strict criteria, as specified in the what is called “ visa liberalization “ Roadmap” of the EU Commission.
These criteria are practically categorized in four blocks, whereby the firot one deals with a major Roadmap element – document security, with the primary role played by the production and distribution of biometric passports.
Therefore, the issuance of citizens with biometric passports is and remains a precondition for the visa liberalization process in Schengen space.
In the first assesment round in May 2009, the EU Commission considered that Albania had made progress, but it did also bring to evidence some sectors where further progress was necessary:
One of the key obligations to be complied with was the production and distribution of biometric passports; but the relevant work began late due to the kick off general elections at home and with all the attention focused on the production and distribution of identity cards.
Thus, just to refresh the short-term political memory of the current opposition, I have to recall that 2009 was an electoral year, whereby the major political fokus was on the participation at polls and quite correctly the whole attention was focused on the production and distribution of identity cards, as a prerequisite for the polls in the general election. Accordingly, until mid – 2009, the whole infrastructure was made fvully available for the identity cards, in order to succeed in issuing all eligible voters who did not possess a valuable passport.
We managed as well to produce a simbolical number of biometric passports during May and June 2009; yet, it did not comply with the obligation of Block 1 in the extent that it is met today.
Therefore, our expectations on the EU Commission assessment on 15 July 2009 on visa liberalization was a realistic one, when the proposal was also made on lifting the visa regime with Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, which benefited from free travel on 19 December 2009.
Objectively, we are far away from these countries in this process, since they had been issuing passports for years on end.
On the other hand, the different historical context and Albania’s specific ecxperience in comparison to the other countries of the region, in terms of citizens’ movement to Western European countries proves the different starting point we had at this process with regional dimension and it perfectly self – explains the reasons affecting Albania’s non-inclusion in the first liberalization round.
In fact, the citizens of Macedonia, Serbia or even Montenegro, once part of the Yugoslav Federation travelled freely all over Europe; moreover, they could as well be employed there, when we did need “ visas” to travel even within our own cities. In conclusion of my reply to this question, if I should be asked to ilustrate it in a metaphorical way, I would say that the visa liberalization process is like a running race, where there is both a “start” and a “finish”.
Now, it is worth-mentioning and it should be strongly emphasized, since it is very encouraging for all of fus that although it did not have the same starting point with Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, thanks to its very fast “sprint” during the recent months, Albania is edging closer to the finish points of visa abolishment, so long welcomed by the Albanian citizens.
Question 2
Mr. Meta, could you tell us on the progress made hitherto on visa liberalization, in the context of the compliance with
the criteria of the EU Roadmap?
Answer: Given the historical context and political developments in Albania and other Western Balkan countries, the EU decided to design a clear, measurable and concrete process on visa liberalization with our countries.
To this end, a Roadmap was drafted, which was officially handed over in June 2008.
As I did mention a little while ago, the Roadmap is broken down in four major blocks of obligations:
1. Security of documents;
2. Migration, border management and readmission;
3. Public order and security;
4. External relations and fundamental rights.
There is an ongoing communication process with the EU Commission, with the Albanian side sending updated briefings on the exctent of compliance with the Roadmap criteria (September 2008, January 2009, October/November 2009, January 2010).
The data we have submited are examined by experts teams, which conduct meetings on the ground and cross - examine the truthfulness of the data and provide recommendations for further improvements.
From September 2009 onwards, as I emphasized above, due to the very sensitivity and historical significance of the visa liberalization process for our citizens, all the attention, energies and commitment are focused on the final stages of this process, which its flowing simultaneously in three directions:
First, the domestic institutional engagement with the emphasis laid on the implementation of all Roadmap obligations;
Secondly, in staging the dialogue with EU structures - the Commission, the Council and European Parliament;
Thirdly, in the relations with the member countries, which are also introduced with our achievements thereto.
In this regard, permit me to give an overview of the tangible progress and concrete achievements for each Roadmap block:
1) Security of Documents:
I have to re-emphasize that the production of biometric passports is one of the key Roadmap obligations, since only the citizens issued with such passports shall be entitled to travel visa free in the Schengen space.
As each of us has already noticed, Albania has made a true revolution with regard to biometric documents, both with the identity cards and passports.
A galloping jump is made in switching from old manual registers to a secured and computerised data system and from certificates to multifunctional identity cards.
Thaks to this modern, rapid and efficient system, the rate of the distribution of biometric passports turns out to be the highest in the region, exceeding every projection made, both by us and the Union.
The number of biometric passports has reached 466.307 and that of identity cards 1.913.192. Significant elements are also the aspects of security documents themselves and the personalization center, anti- corruption programs, instant process of the lost passports data, which mark the closing point of our compliance with all obligations for this block.
From14-17 December 2009, the EU experts had their second asessment round for Block 1, reaching to the conclusion that our side has complied with all the issues that were outstanding from the last visit of the EU experts in March 2009.
2) Migration, Border Management and Readmission
Fundamental improvements are made in regard to this Block, with the work focused on border management, also thanks to the introduction of the most up – to - date technologies for border integrated management in Europe. The most significant achievement is the full installation and operation of TIMS system at all 26 Border Crossing Points( BCP).
Finally, with ICITAP support, the establishment of e-visa and e-residence permit modules is finalized; they are installed in the TIMS system and are currently subject to a trial process by the structures at the Ministry of Interior and the Foreign Ministry consular services which have access to this system.
Work is also on drafting a national data basis for the registration of foreigners.
The check system in the BCPs is unified under the one-stop-shop principle, including the control of customs and fitto – sanitary documentation; meanwhile, an Inter-Institutional Maritime Operational Center for the Surveilance of Sea Borders is in place.
All legal and by-legal acts for the border surveillance and inspection as well as the Border Integrated Management Strategy and Plan of Action are enacted; they are currently under the implementation process.
Likewise, progress is also made on the adoption of all legal and by-legal acts for the implementation of the Law on Asylum and the Plan of Action for the implementation of the Law on Foreigners.
The installment of 63 new optical readers for the inspection and control of biometrioc passports in 25 border crossing points is also over.
In 11 circuit police directorates and in the 8 Regional Border and Migration Directorates, the system for the analysis of criminal information MEMEX is fully operational. There is a conection in real time at all BCPs with the INTERPOL data basis.
The process of the installment of equipment for the automatic reading of vehicle registration plates is over, just as the connection with the databasis for the stolen vehicles in three Border Crossing Points; such an installment is also on the point of conclusion in another Border Crossing Point.
The camera monitor system on 7 BCPs is over and work continues in two other BCPs.
The purchase of 4 “ Videoscope” equipment for drug control with two reading directions in ther BCP in Kapshticë, as well as in the the Port of Vlora and Durrës will increase police capabilities in detecing the narcotic substances.
Thanks to the EU financial assistance, 10 new BCPs and the reconstruction of 20 premises for border supervision are expected to be commissioned in February 2010.
3) Public Order and Security
This is the most complex block of the Roadmap, since the issues regarding this Block are less measurable; besides, they require long – term work and engagement.
Priority in this respect is attached to the implementation of the Strategy for Combating Organized Crime, Traffickings and Terrorism, under the Action Plan with specified measures for each institution under a clear calendar.
Following the entry into force of the new Law against Organized Crime ( Anti- Maffia Law) its implementation as well as the implementation of the strategy and action plan shall be monitored in a strict, harmonious, integral and systematic way by the Inter-Institutional Committee for the Measures on Combating Organized Crime, Trafficking and Terrorism.
The Government’s commitment to renew the Moratorium for the navigation for powerful motor vehicles will also have its proper effects in combating organized crime.
As far as the overall results concerning the measures against financial crime are concerned, only during the year 2009, an amount of 3,736,275 Euro was confiscated in bank accounts and now, with the entry into force of the new law against organized crime, these results are expected to go up.
Likewise, until January 2010, there are evidenced 383 criminal offences with 84 arrested perpetrators and 15 wanted persons.
With regard to the fight against drug trafficking, the relevant strategy and plan of action are under implementation. Only for the period 15 November 2009 –22 Janaury 2010, 77 cases were evidenced with 101 identified perpetrators and 82 arrested; 16 are under free criminal prosecution and 3 wanted.
Based on the information provided through access to MEMEX system, the Directorate for the Analysis of Criminal Information made for the first time the risk assessment from the activity of criminal groups for the year 2008 and 2009.
The fight against corruption is focused both in its prevention through regulatory measures, as one-stop-shop and on - line services, and in the cooperation among the agencies for the identification, apprehension and punishment of all corruptive acts.
The implementation of the integrated anti-corruption strategy and action plan is under way. During the period November 2009-January 2010, 35 criminal offences ere identified, related to corruption and misuse of office with 59 perpetrators, out of whom 26 are arrested, 31 are under free criminal prosecution and 2 wanted.
On 15.12.2009, the implementation of the 3 year - joint project for technical assistance sponsored by the EU and the Council of Europe started in Tirana, designed to support the Albanian Goverment in the implementation of the Inter- Sectorial Strategy for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption and for a Transparent Governance.
With a fund of 2 million 130 thousand Euro, a co-financing of the European Union and the Council of Europe, this is one of 24 priority projects of the Albanian Government under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance 2008 (IPA).
Regarding the 13 recommendations of GRECO group, 11 of them are already complied with and the work on two others continues with priority.
In the framework of judicial cooperation, the adoption in December of the Law on Judicial Cooperation with Foreign Authorities in Criminal Cases and the beginning of the negotiations for signing the agreement on judicial cooperation with EUROJUST during this year is expected to mark a new dimension to international cooperation with our partners.
The National Strategy for Combating Human and Children Trafficking and the relevant action plans are already adopted and in the implementation process. There are a number of measures taken in this regard, which have led to Albania’s removal from the list as a transit country for trafficking of human beings, and for a better management of this phenomenon at home.
The law enforcement agencies during 2009 have continued to investigate trafficking criminal acts and prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes. 3 police operations were staged against women trafficking and 8 other operations against organization, practicing and possession of prostitution venues, during which 29 people were arrested.
Operations against beggars took place in the District of Tirana and from December 2009 onwards, the police is executing the operation plan against child exploitation.
During the last three months 2009, amendments were made to the relevant legal framework, particularly in regard to measures taken in protecting the victims of trafficking.
The recent adoption by the Council of Ministers of the Draft Law "On Social Assistance and Services" (27 January 2010) creates opportunities for financial assistance for the victims of trafficking both during and after leaving the institutions of social assistance until their employment.
Likewise, the new law for the prevention and fight against organized crime and trafficking through preventive measures against property has provided special funding for crime prevention, which will serve to enhance services for victims and their compensation.
There was also a 24 per cent increase in funds for the National Reception Center in 2010 compared with 2009 (25,000 Euros). During 2009, 82 victims of trafficking are reintegrated and 38 are trained free of charge from regional work offices. They were built as child protection units in the municipal level; they are responsible for the identification, protection, assistance and integration of this category of children. There are nearly 1394 children treated in these centers in Tirana, Korce, Elbasan and , Berat.
Meanwhile, the regional anti-trafficking committees have systematically continued their meetings in communities where they discuss the cases of abuse or assist vulnerable people. Training sessions are organized in cooperation with the OSCE for these Committees’ members in 12 districts, with some 300 trained folks there.
Likewise, measures continue to be taken in preventing this phenomenon through the organization of awareness campaigns, education, employment and by establishing a registration system to prevent child labor.
During 2009, 270 police personnel of various levels and structures, 200 judges, prosecutors and judicial police officers were trained.
Measures are also taken to improve the reporting procedures for identifying trafficking cases. The operation and management of databases for victims of trafficking would enable a clear vision regarding the trafficking situation in Albania and to identify the forms of exploitation of trafficking victims. In 2009, 94 victims of trafficking, 22 children (17 females and 5 males) and 72 adults were identified and sheltered as well.
4) External Relations and Fundamental Rights
Two of the remaining obligations of this Block include our commitment under the Decade of Roma and the New Anti – Discrimination Law. As for the first long term project, the National Strategy and Action Plan are already adopted. While the Anti - Discrimination Law is expected to be soon enacted by the Parliament; hence, this block is also considered as almost closed for us.
In conclusion, I would like in short to brief on the dynamics of dialogue with EU structures, the Commission, Council and European Parliament and to express my positive appreciation for strong support that each member has in the process of visa liberalization for Albania.
Thus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the institution that coordinates the whole visa liberalization process has been in constant contacts with all EU structures in receiving all their assessments and recommendations, and the follow up of all these obligations with the institutions responsible for their concrete implementation. We are monitoring in full – scale and in an interactive coordination to ensure that this process is successfully finalized soon. We have presented a series of written reports to the European Commission and have held direct meetings and dialogue to convey truthfulness, seriousness and the proper quality for the effective fulfillment of the Roadmap obligations.
We have maintained the same approach with European Union countries, which have also followed this process step by step through bilateral exchange of visits aimed at profound and realistic recognition of achievements.
All over this time, we have had continuous support and encouragement from the community structures and its member states. I can mention only some of the most important moments of the strong support Albania has had from its partners:
The overwhelming majority approval in the European Parliament on November 12, 2009 of the Resolution "Fajon", as well as the attached political statement, whereby the European Parliament and Council, are committed to a proposal for emergency treatment of the visas with Albania, once the Commission assesses that we meet the remaining Roadmap obligations, a clear political message from these institutions supporting this process. At the same time, this demonstrates the broad and solid support for Albania by the EU member countries represented in the Council and the EU citizens, expressed in the vote of the newly elected Euro - Parliamentarians.
Strong political messages for the conclusion within the deadlines set for this process were also made by senior representatives of EU member states.
In particular, I would mention the supportive attitude from our neighboring countries that are EU member states for the acceleration of this process and its conclusion by mid-2010; it reinforces our conviction and commitment towards meeting all the Roadmap criteria, as the only condition for the successful completion of this process.
We can mention here the strong support provided by Italian Interior Minister, Mr. Maroni during his visit in Albania, a joint Letter of the Italian Foreign Minister Frattini and the Slovenian Foreign Minister, Zbogar sent to the EU Swedish Presidency of the time for priority consideration of this issue by the Commission, as well as Austria’s and lately Greek supportive position through the joint Letter of the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Michael Spindelegger and Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Dimitris Droutsas sent to EU High representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Catherine Ashton, for speeding up and finalization of the process in 2010.
Therefore, we notice with pleasure that Albania’s progress and performance in this process is visible, concrete and clear. We will continue to keep our pace of commitment up to its full finalization – the visa liberalization with the EU.
Question 3
What remains to be done until the finalization of the process and what are, in practical terms, the benefits from the visa liberalization for Albanian citizens?
Actually, we are in the final stage of the visa liberalization process, which in the coming days will continue with the visit by two monitoring missions for Block 2 (borders, migration) on 22-25 February and Block 3 (security, fight against organized crime, trafficking, anticorruption) on 8-12 February 2010.
Likewise, we are working on the awareness campaign for visa liberalization, explaining what this process means and what are the benefits for Albanian citizens, what they should know when traveling abroad, and others. In this spirit, we consider as very important the cooperation with all other actors of the Albanian society, so that this historic process ends successfully.
The collapse of the "Schengen Wall" for many Albanians will undoubtedly mark a great relief from a "psychological burden" that has held hostage the dream of several generations to move freely in Europe, and would entitle them with their deserved right that all European citizens enjoy.
However, in the final analysis, I think that "the most complete list" of benefits, developments and positive energies released by the visa liberalization shall be provided by our citizens, who have been waiting for hours and days for a visa to meet their relatives, (even if they could get it), whereas tomorrow they will be able to move freely, not only to meet their relatives, but also to enjoy European cultural and touristic values. Thank you.
Source:isria.com/
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