The EP approves the report for Albania: Support for Reforms and EU Membership

In the report drafted by Austrian Eurodeput Andreas Schieder, Albania's progress in key areas -- such as justice, anticorruption, media freedom and the functioning of democratic institutions -- is assessed, stressing also the need to address the remaining challenges to ensure a successful EU integration by 2030.

Some problems are also highlighted in the report, especially regarding appointments to the two key organs of justice: The Prosecutor's High Council and the High Judicial Council. The report demonstrates the lack of domestic rules for the efficient functioning of these institutions, as well as the need for reviewing regulations to address their members' conflicts of interest.

Thus, the report points out: “The High Judicial Council lacks the internal rules needed to exercise its functions effectively, while those of the Prosecutor's Supreme Council seek revision. Both councils do not have internal regulations on conflicts of interest to their members, making possible cases of conflicts of interest not addressed. ”

The report's main points as follows:

Justice:

-Progress on justice reform, including the completion of the veto process and the adoption of the Inter-sectorial Justice Strategy 2024-2030.

- Improved judicial infrastructure and the electronic management system.

- The challenge: The lack of human resources, inter-institutional co-ordination and delays in judicial processes.

Anti-corruption:

-Advancing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2030 and the SPAK positive performance in the pursuit of high-level corruption.

- Improved financial investigation and asset seizure.

- The challenge: The perception of corruption in public administration and monitoring implementation of the strategy.

Media freedom and pluralism:

- Hello for increased transparency over ownership of audiovisual media.

- The challenge: Strengthening the independence of AMA and public broadcaster, as well as addressing media ownership concentrations and pressure on journalists.

Institutions and democratic control:

The Constitutional Court has been effective.

- The challenge: The quality of the legislative process, political polarisation and delays in appointing leaders of independent institutions.

- Hello for civil society activities and preparation of the new volunteer law.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, during discussions in the European Parliament, stressed that it is vital that Albania continue concrete progress in key areas to meet European Union criteria, adding: “It is vital that Albania continue to show concrete progress in key areas. In this context, the independence of the specific anti-corruption and organised crime structure, SPAK, should be fully preserved. SPAK is today the most trusted institution in the country. This should be protected and strengthened. ”

In his response, State Minister for Relations with Parliament Taulant Balla named the report's approval an important assessment for Albania and its EU integration process. He thanked political groups and the European Commission for clear support and for Albania's commitment to achieving membership within this decade, writing on Facebook: “Gratitude to large political groups in the EP and the European Commission for the clear support of Albania's membership within this decade in the EU. The headline of this year's report is the fact that Albania is leading Western Balkan countries in the process. ”