Albania in transition
Albania is undergoing multiple transitions. Politically from one party to many, economically from command to market economy and socially from a rural society to an urban.
In 2009 Albania submitted its application for a European Union membership. However, so far Albania has made little progress. Deep polarization between two major political parties and a divided society are slowing down the necessary reformations.
The causes can be found in the political culture of the country, which historically has no experience of democracy. Former Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha firmly adhered to Stalinist lines, imposing communism and strict isolation from all other countries. The shadows that this era cast are still noticeable today.
Aside from this, hurdles to an EU membership that still need to be overcome include the lack of law enforcement, huge organized crime and corruption, and an economy that is hardly able to compete with other EU members.
Albania is undergoing multiple transitions. Politically from one party to many, economically from command to market economy and socially from a rural society to an urban.
In 2009 Albania submitted its application for a European Union membership. However, so far Albania has made little progress. Deep polarization between two major political parties and a divided society are slowing down the necessary reformations.
The causes can be found in the political culture of the country, which historically has no experience of democracy. Former Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha firmly adhered to Stalinist lines, imposing communism and strict isolation from all other countries. The shadows that this era cast are still noticeable today.
Aside from this, hurdles to an EU membership that still need to be overcome include the lack of law enforcement, huge organized crime and corruption, and an economy that is hardly able to compete with other EU members.