Before deciding whether or not to support the opening of Albania’s negotiations at the European Council, the Netherlands will have to be convinced that the country deserves this next step in the integration process. This is why 8 MPs from seven different political forces of the Dutch parliament have launched a 2-day fact-finding mission this Monday.

The visit was launched with a meeting with Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati. Later during the morning they were received by the Prime Minister Edi Rama, while at a working they met with the opposition leader Lulzim Basha as well as with the members of the parliamentary committee of Foreign Affairs and Integrations.

The deputies expressed that the Dutch government is extremely hesitant and what has been done so far isn’t enough. According to them, corrupt officials of every level should be investigated and sentenced by Justice.

“A proposal has been made by the European Commission and our government has already declared its stance. Our government is extremely reluctant to open negotiations with Albania this moment. Therefore, we as a parliament decided to organise this fact-finding mission with members of seven different Dutch political parties, so all major parties are here. Then we will have a debate on how the implementation of the 5 priorities is going. Members of the delegation have asked many of the most important issues related to the fight against corruption and organised crime. Our government will say the last word, but it will need the parliamentary approval”.

At the end of the visit, 8 MPs will draft a report to be submitted to the Dutch Parliament./tvklan.al