Contents -- List of Tables -- Acronyms -- 1. European integration and the transformation of the democratic state: Theoretical and contextual issues -- 2. Albania in 1990: At the crossroads between communism and democracy -- 3. The transition period: Political and socio-economic situation of Albania. How far is Albania from meeting the Copenhagen criteria? -- 4. EU membership prospective for the countries of Western Balkans and Albania -- 5. The political system: Albanian political parties and their attitude towards the EU -- 6. Clientelism, corruption and organized crime: Serious barriers to EU membership -- 7. Policy making in Albania -- 8. The role of the elite and the domestic actors -- 9. Local government and decentralization -- 10. EU economic aid, assistance and programmes: How have they contributed to domestic reforms and development? -- 11. The impact of external factors on Albanian politics and policies -- Conclusions -- Endnotes -- Bibliography -- Index.