HARMONIZATION OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCEDURE WITH EU ACQUIS IN THE CANDIDATE COUNTRIES: THE CASE OF ALBANIA

Abstract

Albania has consistently taken action to adhere to European values, standards and requirements, all for the ultimate purpose of joining the European Union. As the European Union demands that its candidate countries carry out the obligations imposed for their EU membership, Albania strives to do so in every step of the way as a sign of commitment to its accession. To ensure compliance with EU law in the framework of public consultations, the Albanian government has undertaken several initiatives towards transparency, accountability, openness and engagement of the civil society. This thesis unveils the legal framework regarding the public consultation process as key to public participation, both at the European and Albanian domestic level through the respective rules, procedures and conducting institutions. It analyzes the extent to which Albania has amended its legal framework regulating the public consultation process in light of its EU accession and approximation of its legislation with the EU standards. It explores the public consultation performance at the domestic level and uncovers the challenges of implementing its legal framework.