(ANSA) - BELGRADE, 02 MAR - The European Commission said today that Albania and North Macedonia have delivered tangible and sustainable results and therefore the "Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia remains valid." In the case of Albania, the Commission update, released today, "outlines progress in the implementation of justice reform and the vetting process of judges and prosecutors, on the track record demonstrated in the fight against corruption and organised crime, including when it comes to cannabis cultivation and hard drugs trafficking. It also points to other relevant issues, such as agreement on the way forward to electoral reform and efforts to tackle unfounded asylum claims," the Commission said.

In the case of North Macedonia, the Commission underlined "significant steps taken to strengthen independence of judiciary, including the recent adoption of the revised law on the Public Prosecutor's Office. It shows an improved track record in the fight against corruption and organised crime as well as progress in the reform of intelligence services and public administration." "After the February adoption of the revised methodology for the accession process, we are today presenting our updates on Albania and North Macedonia. They show that the countries stepped up their work and delivered further tangible and sustainable results in the key areas identified in the Council Conclusions of June 2018, " said Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi. "The Commission stands firmly by its recommendations to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia and I hope that the Member States will take a positive decision in the coming weeks," Várhelyi added. (ANSA).