Albania Makes Progress in Fighting Corruption

This Group of states stresses that Albania, so far, has fully fulfilled four of the ten recommendations issued in its 2014 rating report; the other six have only partially applied.

The latest report calls it an important step in adopting the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament in April 2018. This code covers issues such as conflicts of interest, additional activities and gifts.

However, the report expresses regret over the lack of clarity over the implementation of these regulations and sanctions in case of violations, which are not specifically mentioned in the text of the Code of Conduct.

The report underlines the need for a implementation mechanism, including sanctions, that would make the code effective.

The report describes both the positive step and the cutting of the period of checking property statements on the part of MPs, as well as their publication on the official website.

As for judges, a major reform of the judiciary has been under way since 2014, as well as the process of verification for judges, with the aim of fighting corruption in the sector.

The Council of Europe's Anti-Corruption Group's report welcomes the fact that, under the reform package, the role of the president of the Republic in the formal appointment of Supreme Court judges has been limited, with the High Judicial Council proposal.

Another positive development, once the reform is completed, is that the functioning of the judicial administration will no longer be the responsibility of the Justice Ministry, but the High Judicial Council, and that the latter will be responsible for establishing ethical standards and monitoring them.

The report also considers the creation of High Justice Inspector as the authority responsible for handling complaints, investigating violations, and initiating disciplinary procedures against judges, even though it notes the post is still empty. The report expresses regret, meanwhile, for continuing delays in the judges' periodic assessments.

As for prosecutors, the report emphasises progress in the legal structure for their assessment, which will include more criteria related to integrity and ethical standards, even though the Supreme Prosecutorial Council, which will be responsible for the prosecutors' assessment, has not yet been established.

In the end, the Council of Europe's Anti-Corruption Group of States urges Albanian authorities to give an update about implementing the recommendations, later March 31st, 2019.