TIRANA, July 13 – Albania marks 31 years of membership in the Council of Europe on July 13, a milestone that reflects the country’s democratic transition and its commitment to European standards, according to the Agency for Media and Information (MIA).
MIA said membership has supported reforms, strengthened institutions and promoted the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms since 1995. The agency added that Albania continues to pursue a stronger democratic system and closer alignment with European values as part of its European integration path.
Albania officially joined the Council of Europe on July 13, 1995, after launching contacts with the organisation in the early 1990s. The Parliamentary Assembly first sent election observers to Albania in 1991. Later that year, it granted the Albanian Parliament Special Guest status. Albania then carried out key legal and institutional reforms before the Parliamentary Assembly adopted Opinion No. 189 (1995), recommending the country’s admission.
Meanwhile, Albania has signed and ratified 93 Council of Europe treaties during the past three decades. The country has also advanced reforms in justice, anti-corruption, human rights, media freedom and minority protection. MIA noted that Albania chaired the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from May 23 to November 9, 2012. It added that joint programmes with the Council of Europe continue to support democratic governance and the rule of law as Albania moves forward with European Union integration.
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