The evolution of Albania through EU pressure and local conditions

As the other South Eastern and Mediterranean countries, Albania has shown an increasing interest in strengthening its internal level of democratisation as well as its relations with the European Union (EU). This rising commitment had – and to some extent has still to - face a dramatic political instability and the effective persistence of institutional corruption. Organized crime has exploited the chance of consolidating links between Albanian clans and the wider criminal world and is deteriorating local political institutions. However, Albanian authorities are continuing to implement talks for future membership in the EU and civil society demonstrates great vitality. This paper aims at analyzing the impact of corruption, illegality, and institutional weakness on the democratisation process and the attempts to approach to EU. It includes, firstly, a general overview of the changes made by the country; secondly, the measurement of the level of criminal infiltration through local authorities at every level in the political, economic and social life; thirdly, the set of programs and institutions used by the EU to exert pressure on the Albanian political élite and the response from local stakeholders. Some conclusive remarks will be used to assess the current situation of the country and its future perspectives will be presented at the end.