As the Netherlands seeks other countries that are willing to say no to Albania’s candidacy status for EU membership, the foreign ministers of eight European countries are gathered and have drafted a letter in support of the Balkan country — and they request full support from all EU Council members to approve Albania’s candidacy.

The foreign ministers of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy and Slovenia sent a letter to the Foreign Minister of Lithuania, Mr. Linas Linkevičius who has the presidency of EU Council and had paid an official visit to Albania in October 7-8, 2013; and to Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

In this letter the eight EU chiefs of diplomacy express their strong support for a positive decision to invite Albania become a candidate member of EU as the EU Commission has recommended. The European Council is expected to meet in December 17th and will decide the fate of Albania’s candidacy.

The foreign ministers argue that Albania has fulfilled all the requirements put forth by the EU last year, while approving with a considerable majority the three remaining laws in its Parliament: the first was for the Administrative Court, the second referred to the Public Administration and the third was on Parliamentary Reform. According to the party of eight ministers, the approval into law of these bills, is the first step towards Albania’s steadfast integration in the EU.

On the other hand, according to OSCE and ODHIR, Albania’s June 23rd general elections were held in harmony to the fundamental rights and they were a great leap forward in the democratization process of the country.

The eight ministers emphasized the accomplishments and improved legislation in the war against organized crime, acts of corruption and combating impunity: “The new government in Albania is committed to fight corruption and considers EU integration as a major priority in its government program. For two months Albanian government has made important progress especially in facilitating a dialogue with the opposition party, which is vital in the implementation of reforms.”

Another item mentioned in the letter was the resolution approved unanimously in November 27th, 2013, at the Albanian Assembly, which affirms that Tirana’s high aspirations for EU integration are at the top of its national agenda.

The foreign ministers concluded that a vote in support of Albania’s candidacy, not only will encourage Albania to continue implementing its reforms but it will send a clear and positive message to other candidate countries to understand that hard work always pays off.

In his visit to Tirana, Lithuanian Foreign Minister was optimist on Albania’s status and stated: “Lithuania’s Presidency of the EU Council actively works to ensure the consistency and sustainability of the EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. We support Albania’s European integration. We see and appreciate your progress in the implementation of the criteria set forth by the EU. This year, Albania has faced a number of challenges but was able to overcome them. I believe that the EU institutions and Member States will assess these achievements appropriately at the end of the year.”

After his meeting with Albanian Prime Minister, in a press conference, Lithuanian Foreign Minister commended the organization of Albania’s June 23rd general elections and underlined Mr. Edi Rama’s strong commitment to continue his country’s European integration. He also called on Albania to improve dialogue among political parties since it is fundamental for a sound implementation of reforms. Minister Linkevičius offered his country’s assistance and expertise in EU integration matters to Albanian Government.

Another important action taken by Albanian government was the visit of three cabinet ministers to Brussels in November 22nd, 2013, met with Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy. Albanian Ministers of Justice, Mr Nasip Naco, Interior, Mr Sajmir Tahiri and European Integration, Ms. Klajda Gjosha, demonstrated once again Albanian government’s commitment to embrace reforms and join the EU in a timely manner. This was a great follow up meeting after Mr. Füle’s November 12th visit in Tirana.

In a press conference, Mr. Štefan Füle stated: “I truly appreciate the initiative of ministers Gjosha, Naco and Tahiri to come to Brussels and continue the talks we had last week; their visit is yet another clear token of Albania’s commitment to reform and EU-integration. After my discussion I am convinced that Albania is taking crucial steps to strengthen the functioning of democratic institutions and to embark on a comprehensive reform effort.”

In this occasion Albanian top officials gave a progress report on a number of short term actions taken in respect to the rule of law, war against corruption and nepotism, as well as elaborated on measures taken to reduce poverty and unemployment. After hearing these briefings, the Commissioner was committed to share all this information with EU Member States in the upcoming meeting of the Council where the European Commission’s recommendation for Albania to become a candidate country will be discussed.

The Netherlands is leading an initiative that is against Albania’s candidacy status in the European Union and in December 12th, the Dutch parliament has voted against Albania’s status to become an EU candidate, this will prevent European leaders to invite Albania in the upcoming summit of Brussels in December 19-20.

The Dutch Government will have to oblige the decision of its parliament and Prime Minister Mark Rutte is expected to reject European Commission’s proposal in support of Albania.

According to a Dutch parliament spokesperson: Rutte’s liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), considered to be liberal, had voted against opening the door to Albania, while its coalition partner Labor Party (PVDA) affiliated to the European Socialists Party, has voted in favor. EU leadership takes unanimous decisions on EU enlargement, thus Albania will lose its chance of becoming a candidate country during the December 19th, summit in Brussels.