On paper, Albanian justice is moving forward... in reality, old shadows still try to slow its pace. Politicians who exert pressure, Constitutional Court decisions that are not implemented, and independent institutions that are still waiting to be revitalized. This is how the European Commission's final report for 2025 on the "Rule of Law in Albania" can be summarized.
In the 23-page document, a dozen lines are "dedicated" to attacks on the Special Prosecution Office against Organized Crime and Corruption, following the arrest of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj.
“While the stability of the judicial system continues to improve, attempts by public officials or politicians to exert influence and pressure on the judicial system remain of serious concern. The investigation and arrest of an elected official in February 2025 by the Special Structure Against Organized Crime and Corruption triggered unprecedented public reactions from executive and legislative officials, including attempts to exert pressure on SPAK and judicial institutions. This raises serious concerns,” the EC report stresses.
Analyzing the government's anti-corruption efforts, the European Commission report states:
"The Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2024-2030 has been adopted. The legal framework to combat corruption is largely in place, but legislation to prevent corruption needs to be completed," the EC report states.
Conceived as a mechanism to further justice reforms and the fight against corruption, the Anti-Corruption Commission, also known as the "Xhafaj Commission", has failed to gain the trust of the justice institutions. They preferred to avoid direct confrontation, communicating only through formal letters. The European Commission, in its latest report, raises clear concerns about the functioning and real impact of this mechanism.
"There are shortcomings regarding the work, methodology and impact of the ad hoc parliamentary committee on deepening reforms for good governance, the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Most justice institutions decided to engage with the committee only formally, in writing, expressing concerns about the process and constitutional issues such as their independence and the established obligations for reporting to the Assembly," the EC report states.
The Constitutional Court, according to the European Commission's draft report, continued to function effectively, although not without "foot-traffic" obstacles.
“The Constitutional Court continues to function effectively, however there are concerns regarding the Assembly’s continued failure to implement some of its decisions, as well as legal uncertainty regarding the exact duration of its members’ mandates. The mandates of the Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination have not yet been renewed,” the report states.
The European Commission’s Rule of Law Report in Albania highlights the progress made, but also highlights the ongoing challenges that remain. Improving the stability of the judicial system, implementing the decisions of the Constitutional Court and renewing the mandates of independent institutions are essential steps to consolidate the rule of law. In the absence of sustained progress and full implementation of reforms, challenges to the rule of law will continue to affect Albania’s credibility and European integration. (A2 Televizion)
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