Albania

Republika e Shqipërisë

Government: Parliamentary democracy with unicameral parliament
Head of State: President Afred Moisiu
Head of Government: Prime Minister Sali Berisha
Foreign Minister: Besnik Mustafaj

Population: 3.135 million
Capital: Tirana
Area: 28 748 km²
Currency: Lek; 1 EUR= 122,54 Lek

GDP in real terms: 6.83 billion euro
GDP per capita: 2 180 euro
Economic growth: 5.5 % (IWF)
Unemployment: 14,2 %

Main export markets: Italy, Greece, Germany
Main exports: Textiles, shoes, fruit, early vegetables
Main source of imports: Italy, Greece, Turkey
Main imports: Food, machinery, vehicles
Major economic sectors: Farming, construction industry, clothing, ethereal oils, herbs, early vegetables, fruit

Albania’s steps towards the EU

• 1992: Trade and Co-operation Agreement is concluded between the EU and Albania. Albania becomes eligible for funding under the EU Phare programme.
• 1996: regional approach: the Council of the European Union establishes political and economic conditionality for the development of bilateral relations.
• 1999: the EU proposes a new Stabilisation and Association Process for five countries of South-Eastern Europe, including Albania.
• 2000: Extension of duty-free access to EU market for products from Albania.
• 2000: Feira European Council states that all the SAP countries are potential candidates for EU membership.
• 2001: start of the new CARDS programme, specifically designed to provide financial assistance to the Stabilisation and Association countries.
• 2001: the European Commission recommends the beginning of negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Albania.
• 2003: negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement begin on 31 January.
• 2003: the Thessaloniki European Council confirms the Stabilisation and Association Process as the EU policy for the Western Balkans. The EU perspective for these countries is confirmed.
• 2004: Council of the European Union decides on a European Partnership for Albania.
• 18 February 2006: Stabilisation and Association Agreement initialled
• 12 June 2006: Signature of Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and Albania

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