European Union and Albanian Legitimacy. The diplomatic journey toward integration and accession

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

I. Rationale

I. Research aim and objectives

I. Research questions

I. Introduction

II. Conceptual framework-Albanian political challenges toward the perspectives of EU integration

II.I Importance of Albania in European Union

II.II Methodology

I.III Research philosophy, approach and design

I.IV European integration and the transformation of the democratic state: Theoretical and contextual issue

Preface of Albanian President I.Meta

Chapter 1- The nation-state and the development of the European Union

1.1 Theories of European integration

1.2- The Europeanization approach: theoretical issues

1.3- Albania and EU Union: Vis-à-vis relation

1.4- Albania in 1990: At the crossroads between communism and democracy

1.5- Conditions and Criteria for entry in the EU Union-SAP

1.6- The democratic movement for the overthrow of communism

1.7-Political, historical, economic and cultural legacies of the past: the Ottoman and communist legacies To what extent is Albania 'European'?

1.8 – Europeanization and Albania as part of the Western Balkan

1.9 The signing of Accession Treaty

1.10 Pyramid Schemes-Ghosts of the Past

Chapter 2 –Incoming reviews of the enlargement policy

2.1- Albania as a candidate-Revaluating the State’s administrative criteria and aspect

2.2-Procurement and Requiremets criteria of membership

2.3-History of Enlargement

2.4- The process of Enlrgement

2.5- The first enlargement

2.6- Eastern enlargement

2.7- Enlargement of the EU- Free trade association EFTA

2.8- European enlargement policy in the Western Balkan Counties-Case of Albania

Chapter 3- Role of EU in the transitional Albanian country

3.1-Good neighborhood as a condition toward integration : Challenges and difficulties

3.2-The role of EU in economical development int Balkan

3.3 Economical harmonization structure

3.4 Post-communist economic transformations

3.5 Economic indicators and the situation in specific sectors Other market-related areas

3.6 The Harmonization of Albania’s agricultural sector with the Aquis communitaire

Chapter 4: The visa liberalization(Schenge) from the point of view of transparency

4.1- Toward a free visa régime

4.2- Democratic transformation in Albania

4.3-Political situation Elections

4.4- Corruption as an obstacle of EU integration

4.5 Political situation from 1992-97: The 'reign and fall' of the Democratic Party

4.6 A good beginning which turned into a new 'dictatorship'

4.7 The failure of the Constitution

4.8 Key priorities of Copenhagen Criteria for Albania and the transition period: Political and socio-economic situation of Albania.How far is Albania from meeting the Copenhagen

4.9 - Aquis agenda and t 35 chapters of Negotiations

4.10- How far is Albania from meeting the criteria of EU integration agenda?

Chapter 5: Harmonization of State Legislation with EU legislation of Albania’s Judicial system

5.1- Albanians Judicial system

5.2- Elections and Parliamentary Constitutios

5.3 The political system: Albanian political parties and their attitude towards the EU

5.4 The political structure

5.3 –Government and EU mandatory changes

5.4- Public administration reform related with Copenhagen Criteria

Chapter 6- The specter of Democratization

6.1- From egalitarianism to polarization and 'jungle capitalism' The situation in specific areas

6.2- Democracy and Democratization of the countries o the regin

6.3Human and minority rights

6.4 Minorities and their situation in Albania-Aquis agenda plan

Chapter 7- Religion and Hidden Islamophobia

7.1 European Islam phobia and Albanias religious heritage

7.2 Country’s tolerance

7.3 Growing tendencies of Nationalism

7.4- The rise of propaganda

7.5 Women’s right in the marginalized country of Albania

7.6 Unemployment and Urbanization in connection with current Demographic Composition

Chapter 8- EU and the Institutionalization of Integration

8.1 Institutional reforms according to EU integration criteria

8.2- Social Policy and Employment

8.3- Demographic situation Environnemental Aquis agenda

8.4 –Judicial reform according to Aquis criteia

8.5- The importance of the Western Balkan in the European Mosaïque?

Chapter 9 -The other priority:

9.1-The political Aquis harmonization in the EU towards the EU

9.2-Making the Balkan part of the EU ’Again

9.3-Illegal activities who doesnt look so Ilegall

9.4- The traffic of smuggling Weapons

9.5 Components of Policy Making –Harmonization with Aquis Agenda

9.6 Rule of Law

Chapter 10- An prespective from Albanian Elitarism

10.1 The role of the elite and the domestic actor

10.2 The elite and middle class under communism

10.3 The role of political leaders

10.4 The functions of governmental order body –Government,Parliament and President

10.5 The syndrome of Brain Drain

10.6 Non governmental organization and their role as Civil society toward the EU

Chapter 11- The normalization of Media Freedom as a conceptual basic nessecity

11.1- Future challengesEU economic aid, assistance

11.2- EU aid and assistance in various areas in the past and in the present

11.3-Evolution of EU assistance to Albania and its complementarity with other donors

11.4-The impact of the EU and Europeanization

11.5-Albania under the effect of Globalization

Research Objectives and Themes

The primary objective of this research is to develop a visceral understanding of the political behavior of the Albanian state regarding its integration into the European Union. By comparing Albania's progress with developed member states, the study explores how internal challenges such as corruption, political instability, and socioeconomic issues hinder the country's integration, while also analyzing the role of external aid and systemic transformation.

• The complex diplomatic journey of Albania toward EU accession.
• The role of the Europeanization approach and its impact on the democratic state.
• Political challenges, including corruption and organized crime, as barriers to integration.
• The analysis of economic transformation and the harmonization of legislation with the EU Acquis.
• The influence of external actors and institutional reform and their effect on civil society.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Chapter 1- The nation-state and the development of the European Union: This chapter contextualizes the theoretical framework of integration, tracing Albania's historical and political shifts post-communism.

Chapter 2 –Incoming reviews of the enlargement policy: It examines the enlargement policy of the EU and re-evaluates the administrative criteria required for Albania's candidacy.

Chapter 3- Role of EU in the transitional Albanian country: This section investigates the challenges of neighborhood and economic development, alongside the harmonization of the agricultural sector.

Chapter 4: The visa liberalization(Schenge) from the point of view of transparency: It analyzes the political and social issues surrounding visa liberalization, corruption, and the transition of political power.

Chapter 5: Harmonization of State Legislation with EU legislation of Albania’s Judicial system: The chapter focuses on judiciary reforms, legislative alignment, and political party structure.

Chapter 6- The specter of Democratization: It deals with the transition from egalitarianism to polarized capitalism, democracy indices, and minority rights.

Chapter 7- Religion and Hidden Islamophobia: This chapter explores the role of religion, tolerance, and emerging nationalism within the Albanian state.

Chapter 8- EU and the Institutionalization of Integration: It assesses institutional reforms and social policies mandated by EU integration criteria.

Keywords

Albania, European Union, EU Integration, Accession, Balkan Politics, Democratization, Rule of Law, Corruption, Copenhagen Criteria, Acquis Communautaire, Stabilization and Association Process, Reform, Political Elites, Civil Society, Human Rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work fundamentally about?

This thesis examines the diplomatic and political challenges Albania faces in its journey toward European Union integration, focusing on both internal transformation and the requirements set by the EU.

What are the central themes?

The work covers democratization, economic reform, rule of law, the impact of corruption, the harmonization of legislation, and the role of the political elite.

What is the primary objective of the research?

To develop a visceral understanding of the political behavior of the Albanian state and evaluate its readiness to meet the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership.

Which methodology is used?

The study adopts an interpretive research philosophy, using a deductive approach and library-based analysis of legal, political, and socio-economic data.

What does the main part cover?

The main part covers the historical legacies of the Ottoman and communist periods, the harmonization of law, economic restructuring, visa liberalization processes, and institutional reforms.

Which keywords characterize the work?

Key terms include Albania, EU integration, Copenhagen criteria, democratization, corruption, and the Acquis Communautaire.

Why are the 1990s and 1997 civil unrest highlighted?

The 1990s and the 1997 uprising are analyzed as critical thresholds of institutional collapse, marking a transition point in Albania's attempt to adopt a market-based economy and democratic institutions.

How does the author view the role of the "political elite"?

The author argues that the political elite remains the primary stakeholder in driving reforms, but often acts according to personal or partisan interests rather than broad democratic principles.