TIRANA, May 8 – French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard said Albania’s EU accession negotiations continue without interruption in an interview for “Klan News”. Reform momentum remains strong, she said, with judicial reform and the opening of negotiation clusters as key areas. She also underlined the need for reforms across all sectors and said Albania should move toward EU membership as soon as possible.
She dismissed suggestions of difficulties in the process as not reflecting reality. The negotiations, she said, follow a normal path based on mutual trust. The process may take time, she noted. The result, however, remains the key factor, and the outcome is close.
On bilateral cooperation, Suard referred to the visit of French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin to Albania. The visit took place at an important moment and strengthened relations between the two countries, she said. French legal expertise also plays a role, with parts of Albanian legislation drawing from French codes, alongside cooperation with the School of Magistrates.
Eurojust and Europol cooperation was also highlighted. Albanian authorities work effectively with both institutions, she noted. Joint investigation teams and coordinated operations against organised crime support that cooperation. Three teams have worked on theft, cyber fraud, and drug trafficking, producing concrete results.
Imprisonment alone does not stop organised crime, she said. Authorities must identify and confiscate illicit assets. France has long experience in this field, including work on crypto-assets. Cooperation also includes the reuse of confiscated assets for victims’ families and law enforcement officers.
On protests, she said the right to demonstrate is protected in France, while violence remains unacceptable and requires clear distancing by organisers. Albania, she concluded, should focus on its European future, warning that violent scenes damage its image in Europe.
/a.p./
The post French ambassador: Negotiations continue, result is close appeared first on RTSH English.
