European Integration and the Transformation of the Democratic State: Theoretical and Contextual Issues * Albania in 1990: at the crossroads between communism and democracy * The transition period: political and socio-economic situation of Albania. How far is Albania from meeting the Copenhagen criteria? * EU membership prospective for the countries of Western Balkans and Albania * The Political System: Albanian Political Parties and their attitude towards the EU * Clientelism, Corruption and Organised Crime: Serious barriers to EU membership * Policy making in Albania * The role of the elite and domestic actors * Local Government and Decentralisation * EU economic aid, assistance and programmes: How have they contributed to domestic reforms and development? * The impact of external forces on Albanian politics and policies * Conclusions * List of Interviewees * Bibliography European Integration and the Transformation of the Democratic State: Theoretical and Contextual Issues * Albania in 1990: at the crossroads between communism and democracy * The transition period: political and socio-economic situation of Albania. How far is Albania from meeting the Copenhagen criteria? * EU membership prospective for the countries of Western Balkans and Albania * The Political System: Albanian Political Parties and their attitude towards the EU * Clientelism, Corruption and Organised Crime: Serious barriers to EU membership * Policy making in Albania * The role of the elite and domestic actors * Local Government and Decentralisation * EU economic aid, assistance and programmes: How have they contributed to domestic reforms and development? * The impact of external forces on Albanian politics and policies * Conclusions * List of Interviewees * Bibliography.