This Order declares the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and the Republic of Albania, signed on 12 June 2006, to be a Community Treaty as defined in section 1(2) of the European Communities Act 1972.

The Agreement provides a framework for regular political dialogue between the parties and includes a commitment to promote regional co-operation and good neighbourly relations with the other countries of the region. It provides for the establishment of a free trade area over a transitional period, asymmetric trade preferences, assistance to support democratic, economic and institutional reforms and co-operation in the field of Justice and Home Affairs.

The principal effect of declaring this Agreement to be a Community Treaty so defined is that the provisions of section 2 of the European Communities Act 1972 apply to it.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has not been produced for this instrument, as it has no impact on the costs to UK business, charities or voluntary bodies.