COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 2026 Rule of Law Report Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Albania Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 2026 Rule of Law Report The rule of law situation in the European Union
Date: 2026-07-17
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: Albania, administrative transparency, corruption, democracy, freedom of the press, human rights, independence of the judiciary, pluralism in the media, rule of law, whistleblowing

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 17.7.2026  SWD(2026) 928 final  COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 2026 Rule of Law Report                                    Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Albania Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 2026 Rule of Law Report                                     The rule of law situation in the European Union {COM(2026) 900 final} - {SWD(2026) 901 final} - {SWD(2026) 902 final} - {SWD(2026) 903 final} - {SWD(2026) 904 final} - {SWD(2026) 905 final} - {SWD(2026) 906 final} - {SWD(2026) 907 final} - {SWD(2026) 908 final} - {SWD(2026) 909 final} - {SWD(2026) 910 final} - {SWD(2026) 911 final} - {SWD(2026) 912 final} - {SWD(2026) 913 final} - {SWD(2026) 914 final} - {SWD(2026) 915 final} - {SWD(2026) 916 final} - {SWD(2026) 917 final} - {SWD(2026) 918 final} - {SWD(2026) 919 final} - {SWD(2026) 920 final} - {SWD(2026) 921 final} - {SWD(2026) 922 final} - {SWD(2026) 923 final} - {SWD(2026) 924 final} - {SWD(2026) 925 final} - {SWD(2026) 926 final} - {SWD(2026) 927 final} - {SWD(2026) 929 final} - {SWD(2026) 930 final} - {SWD(2026) 931 final}  
 
 
ABSTRACT 

Albania  continued  implementing  the  judicial  reform,  as  well  as  the  Cross-Sector  Justice 
Strategy. The vetting process of all judges and prosecutors was fully completed following the 
finalisation  of  the  appeal  phase,  further  strengthening  judicial  independence,  accountability 
and  integrity  across  the  justice  sector.  Some  progress  has  been  made  to  embed  the  high 
standards of the vetting process in the ordinary justice system, including through the revision 
of the rules on the appointments of non-magistrate members to the High Judicial Council and 
the  High  Prosecutorial  Council.  The  High  Justice  Inspector  remains  operational  but 
consistently  faces  a  high  number  of  magistrate-inspector  vacancies.  Although  the  judiciary 
remains resilient, attempts of undue influence on justice institutions, and personal attacks on 
magistrates  continued.  Previously  identified  challenges  remain  in  conducting  timely  and 
qualitative evaluations  of judges. The overall quality  of judicial training  has  improved, and 
the backlog of cases has been partly reduced,while the full operability of a modern integrated 
electronic case management system remains to be achieved, including maintenance plan and 
trainings.  
The  Anti-Corruption  Strategy  for  2024-2030  and  its  action  plan  for  2024-2026  are  being 
implemented. The legal framework for fighting corruption is largely in place, and significant 
steps have been taken to further align with EU acquis and European standards. The Special 
Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) has continued to deliver positive results in fighting high-
level  corruption  and  building  a  solid  track  record  of  investigations,  prosecutions  and 
convictions.  The  institutional  framework  for  corruption  prevention  has  improved,  but 
coordination with law enforcement remains weak. Corruption risks continue to be prevalent 
in  the  State  Police,  public  procurement  and  in  high-risk  sectors,  for  which  Albania  is 
currently  rolling  out  risk  assessments.  While  the  effectiveness  and  transparency  of 
verifications  of  declarations  of  assets  and  interests  by  the  High  Inspectorate  for  the 
Declaration  and  Audit  of  Assets  and  Conflicts  of  Interest  (HIDAACI)  have  improved, 
shortcomings persist.  
Concerns  persist  regarding  the  independence  of  the  media  regulatory  authority,  stemming 
from the nomination procedure for board members and their political affiliation. The limited 
independence of the public broadcaster also is a concern. While steps were taken to address 
media  ownership  transparency,  media  concentration  and  market  penetration  by  business 
groups  with  political  links  remain  a  serious  concern.  While  some  steps  have  been  taken 
towards establishing an audience measurement system, fair allocation of state advertising and 
other  state  resources  is  still  not  ensured.  Shortcomings  persist  with  respect  to  the  right  to 
access  to  information.  Cases  of  verbal  and  physical  threats,  smear  campaign  and  strategic 
lawsuits  against  public  participation  (SLAPP)  targeting  journalists  continued,  while  partial 
decriminalisation of defamation was introduced for registered journalists.  

Concerns  remain  regarding  the  quality  of  the  legislative  process,  including  the  consistent 
application  of  evidence-based  policymaking  and  the  effectiveness  of  public  consultations. 
Political polarisation continues to negatively impact parliamentary work. The Constitutional 
Court  continued  to  be  effective  in  upholding  institutional  checks  and  balances.  A  new 
Ombudsperson and a new Commissioner for Protection against Discrimination (CPD) were 
appointed. Overall, civil society organisations (CSOs) continue to operate freely, but continue 
to  face  challenges,  such  as  discreditation,  limited  transparency  in  policy  making,  uneven 
consultation practices, and financial sustainability constraints. 

1 

 
 
 
I. 

JUSTICE SYSTEM1 

Independence  

The level of perceived judicial independence in Albania continues to be average among 
the  general  public  and  is  now  high  among  companies.  Overall,  50%  of  the  general 
population and 69% of companies perceive the level of independence of courts and judges to 
be  ‘fairly  or  very  good’  in  20262. The  perceived  judicial  independence  among  the  general 
public has slightly increased in comparison with 2025 (47%), while among companies it has 
significantly increased in comparison with 2025 (40%).  

Albania continued the implementation of the judicial reform and of the ongoing Cross-
Sector  Justice  Strategy,  which  contributed  to  strengthening  judicial  independence, 
transparency  and  efficiency.  The  implementation  of  the  far-reaching  and  comprehensive 
justice reform initiated in 2016 and of the cross-sector Justice Strategy 2024-2030 continued. 
Coordination  between  the  High  Judicial  Council  (HJC)  and  the  High  Prosecutorial  Council 
(HPC) has improved with the  organisation  of  three  joint  meetings  in  20253  and  was 
formalised  by  the  adoption  of  a  common  regulation,  which  also  ensures  follow-up  of  the 
operational  conclusions  of  these  meetings4.  A  fourth  meeting  took  place  in  April  20265. 
Consultation  with  other relevant  justice institutions  has also  been enhanced6. Following the 
adoption  of  operational  conclusions  in  December  2025,  the  two  Councils  aim  at 
drafting/adopting  a  unified  action  plan  for  20267  for  issues  that  affect  both  Councils. 
Coordination  among  all  justice  institutions  is  yet  to  be  further  strengthened,  along  with 
enhanced  data-driven  policymaking  in  the  context  of  the  implementation  of  the  sectorial 
strategy.  

The  vetting  process  of  all  judges  and  prosecutors  was  fully  completed  with  the 
finalisation of the appeal  phase, further strengthening judicial  independence, integrity 
and  accountability.  In  March  2026,  the  Special  Appeal  Chamber  issued  its last decision, 
thus  concluding  a  nine-year  process  of  re-evaluation  of  all  sitting  judges,  prosecutors,  and 
senior legal assistants8. The overall outcome of vetting decisions rendered by the Independent 
Qualifications  Commission  and,  where  applicable  as  reviewed  by  the  Special  Appeal 
Chamber, resulted in 456 dismissals and terminations (57 % of cases) and 348 confirmations 
in  office  (43%  of  cases)9.  During  the  reporting  period,  two  new  cases  in  which  the  vetting 
process  revealed  criminal  elements  were  referred  to  prosecution.  One  case  is  undergoing 

1  An overview of the institutional framework for all four pillars can be found here [hyperlink]. 
2   Flash Eurobarometers 581 and 582 (2026). The level of perceived judicial independence is categorised as 
follows: very low (below 30% of respondents perceive judicial independence as fairly good and very good); 
low (between 30-39%), average (between 40-59%), high (between 60-75%), very high (above 75%). 

3   Albanian Government (2026), pp. 40-41. 
4   Regulation "On joint meetings and inter-institutional cooperation between the High Judicial Council and the 
High  Prosecutorial  Council": 
https://klp.al/2025/08/01/per-miratimin-e-rregullores-per-mbledhjet-e-
perbashketa-dhe-bashkepunimin-nderinstitucional-ndermjet-keshillit-te-larte-gjyqesor-dhe-keshillit-te-larte-
te-prokurorise/  
Joint  meeting  of  the  High  Judicial  Council  and  the  High  Prosecutorial  Council,  April  2026: 
https://klgj.al/aktivitete/mbledhja-e-pare-e-perbashket-per-vitin-2026-fokus-te-vleresimet-etiko-
profesionale-dhe-ulja-e-backlog-ut/  

5  

6   Albanian Government (2026), p. 40. In 2025, coordination and joint meetings between the Councils have 
included  engagement  with  the  High  Inspector  of  Justice,  the  School  of  Magistrates  and  the  General 
Prosecutor’s Office. 

7   Albanian Government (2026), p. 41. 
8   2024 Rule of Law Report, Albania, pp. 2-3. 
9  
International Monitoring Operation (2026). 

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preliminary verification, and one has been registered and is under investigation. However, the 
effective judicial follow-up on these cases revealing criminal elements remains limited10.  

Some  progress  has  been  made  to  maintain  the  high  standards  set  during  the  vetting 
process  in  the  ordinary  justice  system.  Legislative  amendments  have  been  adopted  to 
clarify procedures to  conduct  asset and background checks, and to  strengthen transparency, 
for  appointments,  promotions  and  evaluations  of  magistrates  by  the  HJC  and  HPC11. 
Furthermore,  the  High  Justice  Inspector  (HJI)  approved  a  new  methodology  for  asset  and 
background  checks  and  conducted  related  training,  with  a  view  to  further  integrating  the 
standards  set  by  the  vetting  process  into  its  regular  procedures12.  Although  additional 
resources have been allocated, the HJC, the HPC, the HJI and the High Inspectorate for the 
Declaration  and  Audit  of  Assets  and  Conflicts  of  Interest (HIDAACI)  still  lack  sufficient 
resources to maintain these checks in line with the vetting standards13. 

Rules on the appointments of non-magistrate members to the High Judicial Council and 
improve  transparency, 
the  High  Prosecutorial  Council  have  been  revised  to 
accountability and ensure a merit-based process. In January 2026, legislative amendments 
have been adopted to subject the appointment procedure for non-magistrate members to the 
same standards for background checks and asset verification as those applicable to magistrate 
members14.  The  Ombudsperson,  Parliament  and  other  appointment  bodies,  as  well  as  other 
relevant institutions, including High Inspectorate for the Declaration and Audit of Assets and 
Conflicts of Interest (HIDAACI), have not yet adopted rules of procedure to fully implement 
these amendments, and contribute to the independence and professionalism of both Councils.  

Despite  stronger  transparency  rules  for  evaluations  and  promotions,  previously 
identified challenges remain in conducting timely and qualitative evaluations. The HPC 
advanced significantly in clearing its accumulated backlog on evaluations, while the HJC has 
steadily continued to conduct evaluations. However, both the HJC and the HPC continue to 
face challenges in ensuring timely and qualitative evaluations of magistrates’ performance. In 
2025,  the  HPC  evaluated  40  prosecutors,  and  the  HJC  evaluated  50  judges15.  The  process 
lacks streamlining to ensure that all judges are evaluated in a timely manner for their access 
to promotion. The HJC finalised 42 appointments, 7 promotions, 14 temporary transfers and 
25  lateral  transfers16  of  judges,  including  4  without  consent.  The  HPC  finalised  26 
appointments, 5 promotions, 24 lateral  transfers  and 6 temporary transfers of prosecutors17. 
Transparency  of  evaluations,  promotions  and  transfers  have  been  strengthened  through  the 
adoption  of  a  regulation  by  the  HJC  as  well  as  legislative  amendments  regarding  the 
publication of decisions on promotions and transfers18. However, the transparency of lateral 
transfers  still  needs  to  be  improved,  since  they  continue  to  be  used  extensively  instead  of 

10   Albanian Government (2026), p. 2. For the reporting period, from previously initiated cases, a total of 18 
criminal proceedings remain under investigation, 1 criminal proceeding continues to be under trial before 
the  court  of  first  instance,  and  for  5  proceedings,  a  request  for  their  dismissal  has  been  submitted  to  the 
court. 

11   Amendments  to  article  32  of  Law  96/2016  on  “The  status  of  judges  and  prosecutors  in  the  republic  of 

Albania”, as amended.  

12   Albanian Government (2026), p. 4; Country visit Albania, HJI.  
13   AHC Contribution (2026), pp. 3-4.  
14   Albanian  Government  (2026),  p.  5;  Amendments  to  Law  115/2016  on “Governance  institutions  of  the 

justice system”, as amended.  

15   Albanian Government (2026), pp. 18-19. 
16   Lateral transfers are horizontal transfers to another Court at the same level. 
17   Albanian Government (2026), pp. 14-16. 
18   Amendments to articles 43 and 47 of Law 96/2016.  

3 

 
 
 
merit-based  promotions.  The HPC  and  the  HJC  have amended  internal  operating  rules  to 
carry out their functions more effectively, including provisions regulating conflicts of interest 
among their own members19.  

The High Justice Inspector remains operational but consistently faces a high number of 
magistrate-inspector vacancies. In 2025, the High Justice Inspector (HJI) registered 1 792 
new cases and processed 1 635 cases20. Only 10 out of 20 inspectors are currently in office. 
Legislative  amendments  were  adopted  reducing  the  seniority  requirement  for  magistrate-
inspectors (from 13 to 10 years)21. A significant increase in the number of inspectors is yet to 
be  observed  through  the  implementation  of  these  amendments  and  the  adoption  of  further 
measures.  In  terms  of  operations,  the  HJI  initiated  requests  for  disciplinary  proceedings 
against eight magistrates including three judges and five prosecutors in 2025 and completed 
seven  thematic  inspections.  After  review  from  the  High  Judicial  Council,  one  request  for 
disciplinary  proceedings  has  been  accepted,  one  has  been  rejected,  and  one  is  still  under 
consideration.  After  review  from  the  High  Prosecutorial  Council,  two  requests  have  been 
terminated without a final decision, one has been suspended, and two have been rejected22. A 
more consistent application of disciplinary measures is yet to be ensured by the Councils and 
the HJI.  

The random allocation of cases is applied in courts, but previously identified challenges, 
including  judicial  vacancies,  limit  its  effectiveness.  While  the  rules  on  the  random 
allocation  of  cases  remained  in  place,  persistent  delays  in  filling  judicial  vacancies  across 
several  courts  continue  to  hinder  their  consistent  application23.  The  random  allocation  of 
cases  for prosecutors is  applied in  practice but  remains  limited to  first-instance prosecution 
offices24.  

Attempts continued by public officials and politicians, including at the highest levels, to 
exert  undue  influence  on  justice  institutions  and  personal  attacks  on  magistrates, 
including  against  SPAK.  During  the  reporting  period,  several  physical  threats  were  made 
against  prosecutors  of  the  entire  system,  Special  Anti-Corruption  Structure  (SPAK) 
Prosecutors,  Head  Prosecutors,  Prosecutors  and  former  Prosecutors,  as  well  as  the  former 
head  of  HPC25.  Eight  magistrates  have  been  placed  under  protection,  including  two  judges 
and  six  prosecutors26.  Attempts  by  public  officials  or  politicians,  including  at  the  highest 
levels,  to  publicly  exert  undue  influence  on  justice  institutions  and  personal  attacks  on 
magistrates at all levels continued throughout the reporting period. The suspension of a high-
level official from duty ordered by the SPAK Court, in accordance with current provisions of 
the  Criminal  Procedural  Code,  as  well  as  SPAK‘s  request  to  the  Parliament  to  lift  said 
official’s parliamentary immunity, triggered significant negative reactions from the executive 
and legislative branches, including direct attacks against SPAK and judicial institutions. The 
governing institutions of the judiciary issued public statements, denouncing political pressure 

19   2025  Enlargement  Report,  Albania,  p.  27.  Decision  No.  769/2025  of  HJC  and  decision  No.  339/2025  of 

HPC. 

20   Albanian Government (2026), p. 7. 
21   Albanian Government (2026), p. 6; Amendments to articles 53-55 of Law 96/2016. 
22   Albanian Government (2026), pp. 8-12. 
23    2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 4. 
24   Albanian Government (2026), p. 20. 
25   Albanian Government (2026), p. 22. 
26    Albanian Government (2026), p. 24. 

4 

 
 
 
on the judiciary27. According to European standards, all powers of the State must foster and 
protect the trust of the general public in constitutional institutions, including the judiciary28. 

Quality  

Previously  identified  shortcomings  in  access  to  justice  persist,  including  legal  aid, 
infrastructure,  and  the  security  of  courts29.  The  piloting  of  an  electronic  communication 
tool between the Tirana District Court and  lawyers has continued, while this tool is not yet 
rolled out in all courts. While temporary premises have been allocated to the General Appeal 
Court,  the  overall  quality  of  court  infrastructure  remains  poor30.  The  number  of  cases 
involving primary legal aid decreased from 6 220 in 2024 to 5 863 in 2025, while the number 
of cases involving secondary legal aid increased from 904 in 2024, to 924 in 202531. The fatal 
shooting  of  the  Tirana  Appeals  Court  Judge  during  a  court  hearing  has  further  emphasised 
concerns about the inadequacy of court infrastructure and underscored the need for measures 
to  ensure the safety  of  magistrates32.  The HJC  adopted a strategy to  address  security issues 
and  has  agreed  immediate  measures  with  Ministry  of  Interior  and  Ministry  of  Justice. 
Additional  budget  has  been  approved  for  an  additional  guard  in  all  courts.  Furthermore,  in 
January 2026, the High Judicial Council approved 29 posts for additional security personnel 
for the courts of Albania. However, visible improvements to the security of court premises, 
including the functional metal detections and related measures, have not been observed. 

The implementation of a modern integrated electronic case management system (ICMS) 
in courts and prosecution offices remains to be finalised33. For the Courts component, the 
physical  hardware  infrastructure  has  been  installed  by  the  HJC.  While  the  implementation 
phase of the development of new ICMS was officially launched in March, the full completion 
of the process remains to be finalised, in order to address persistent challenges to the overall 
quality of justice34. With regards to the case management system of the Prosecution offices, 
the business requirements for the new system have been developed  and approved by the IT 
Centre Board. A tender was launched for the selection of the implementing company for the 
development  of  the  software.  Achieving  effective  integration  will  require  enhanced  and 
coordinated efforts  among all actors, including  on the necessary legal  amendments  to  align 
frameworks for both courts and prosecution offices. 

The  overall  quality  of  judicial  training  has  improved,  while  a  strong  emphasis  on 
practical skills is still lacking. The School of Magistrates (SoM) has made further progress 
in  enhancing  the  quality  of  the  initial  and  continuous  training  for  magistrates.  A  new 
curriculum for the first year of the initial training programme has been introduced, providing 

27   Country visit Albania, HJC, civil society organisations. 
28   See Venice Commission (CDL-AD (2013)038), para. 21-22. See also CCJE (2015), Opinion No. 18, “The 
position of the judiciary and its relationship with the other powers of state in a modern democracy”, para. 
54:  “Any  analyses  and  criticisms  by  one  power  of  state  of  the  other  powers  should  be  undertakes  in  a 
climate of mutual respect”. 

29   2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 5. 
30   Albanian  Government  (2026),  p.  24.  Following  the  approval  of  the  state  budget  for  2026,  the  HJC  has 
secured funds for the reconstruction of the former “Large Taxpayers' Branch” building, which has been put 
into use by the General Appeal Court. This building provides a temporary solution to the court's needs for 
premises, until a new building is procured. 

31   Albanian Government (2026), p. 45. The number of state-funded authorised NGOs increased from 2 (two) 

in 2024 to 4 (four) in 2025. 

32   2025 Enlargement Report, Albania, p. 30. 
33   2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 5. 
34   Interim European Union Common Position (2026), p. 30. 

5 

 
 
 
a clearer structure of topics and a stronger emphasis on practical skills35. The SoM training’s 
focus on practical skills necessary for effective judicial and prosecutorial practice remains to 
be  reinforced,  including  strengthening  the  mentorship  programme  of  the  second  and  third 
years  of  training.  The  continuous  training  programme  has  been  revised,  and  use  of  digital 
tools  has  improved.  Legislative  amendments  have  been  adopted  to  ban  former magistrates 
who were dismissed or  resigned during the vetting from  taking up positions  as training staff 
at the School for Magistrates, thereby strengthening the integrity of the institution36. The first 
phase of the admission exam has been reviewed and was used in the April 2026 session37. A 
dedicated  admission  exam  for  legal  assistants  has  been  organised  in  May  2026.  This 
represents a significant step towards improving the quality and efficiency of the system. 

Persistent  shortage  of  financial  and  human  resources,  including  magistrates  and 
support legal and administrative staff, adversely affects the quality of justice. Although 
the filling of judicial vacancies continued, with 42 judges and 26 prosecutors appointed as of 
July  2025,  significant  shortage  persists,  including  at  appeal  level.  As  of  January  2025,  242 
prosecutors out of 341 (71%) and 306 judges out of 417 (73%) were effectively employed38. 
In the Court of Appeal, five judges have been appointed, and six judges have been assigned 
under  a  delegation  scheme,  bringing  the  number  of  judges  in  office  to  40  out  of  7839.  The 
quotas decided by the HJC and the HPC for the SoM for the 2026-2027 academic year are 
insufficient  to  address  challenges  concerning  the  quality  and  efficiency  of  the  judicial 
system40.  These  quotas  are  determined  following  an  assessment  of  current  and  upcoming 
vacancies, based on the existing organisational structure, but are not sufficient to fully meet 
the needs of the judicial system in the medium term. Increasing the number of magistrates in 
the  organisational  structure  is  crucial,  and  discussions  and  assessments  ongoing  in  the 
Councils need to continue and be followed up41. Full implementation of the judicial map has 
not  yet  been  concluded.  The  HJC  has  approved  a  regulation  on  the  appointment  of  court 
presidents, and the appointment of all court presidents is yet to be finalised, ensuring that the 
assessment of candidates is carried out in line with the vetting standards, including where the 
transitory  provisions  on  the  appointment  of  acting  presidents  adopted  through  legal 
amendments are applied. Legal advisor positions remain very limited in number compared to 
the  immediate  needs  of  the  system.  However,  separate  competition  process  and  training 
programme  for  legal  advisors  and  legal  assistants  have  been  established  through  legal 
amendments, which are expected to increase their number 42. Out of 219 additional total staff 
requested by the justice institutions in 2025, only 100 additional employees were approved by 
the  Parliament43.  A  comprehensive  human  resources  plan,  including  planning  for  each 
category of additional staff, is still missing. Although investments in the justice system have 

35   Albanian Government (2026), pp. 27-29. 
36   Amendment to article 264 of Law 115/2016. 
37   Albanian Government (2026), pp. 31-33. 
38   Albanian Government (2026), pp. 37-40. 
39   Albanian  Government  (2026),  p.  34.  Eleven  judges  were  assigned  under  a  delegation  scheme:  6  to  the 
General Appeal Court; 1 to the Administrative Court of Appeal and 4 to the Special Court of First Instance. 
40   Country visit Albania, HJC and HPC; Albanian Government (2026), pp. 44-45. The number of quotas for 
candidates  to  the  School  of  Magistrates  in  2026-2027  is  10  for  judges,  12  for  prosecutors,  six  for  legal 
advisors and 35 for legal assistants.  
41   Country visit Albania, HJC and HPC.  
42   Amendment to article 274 of Law 115/2016. 
43   Albanian Government (2026), p. 41.  

6 

 
 
 
continued  to  increase,  overall  expenditure  remains  low44  and  the  budget  allocated  for 
additional human resources has not increased independently of the request of both Councils. 

The  High  Court  continues  steady  efforts  to  unify  the  case  law  and  ensuring  public 
access to final court rulings. The High Court continues its efforts to unify the case law by 
providing internal guidance to lower courts45. However, challenges regarding the consistency 
of  the  case  law  remain46,  and  courts  still  encounter  serious  challenges  in  providing  timely 
reasoning for their decisions. 

Efficiency 

The length of proceedings and backlogs have been reduced in first-instance cases as well 
as at the High court, but high disposition times and low clearance rates persist in appeal 
cases,  while  further  measures  to  increase  efficiency  are  yet  to  be  implemented47.  The 
clearance  rate  improved  in  first-instance  cases,  reaching  over  100%,  but  remained 
particularly  low  in  second-instance  cases,  where  it  ranged  between  42%  and  77%  for 
different  types of cases48. Compared with  2023, disposition  times decreased in  2024 for all 
categories of first-instance cases, while in second instance they decreased for administrative 
and criminal cases. Disposition times for second-instance civil and commercial cases in 2024 
are very high49. The backlog of the High Court was reduced by over 50%from 30 000 in 2022 
to  12  356  in  June  202650.    While  steps  to  address  the  backlog  have  been  undertaken  with 
additional recruitments51, the high number of judicial vacancies, as well as vacancies for legal 
assistants  and secretaries, and insufficient  infrastructure continue to  hamper efficiency. The 
HJC  has  adopted  a  comprehensive  roadmap  to  increase  efficiency  and  reduce  the  backlog, 
and its effective implementation is still to be observed52. While some steps have been taken to 
increase  the  use  of  mediation  services,  including  training  and  awareness-raising  activities, 
mediation remains largely underused in practice. Implementation of the roadmap measures is 
important to ensure a systematic efficiency policy, which addresses the backlog in both the 
short  and  long  term.  The  roll-out  of  an  Artificial  Intelligence  (AI)  solution  in  case 
management,  including  the  digitisation  of  court  decisions  is  currently  being  planned  and 
budgetary resources have been allocated for it. 

44   CEPEJ  (2025),  Dashboard  Western  Balkans  –  2024  Data  Collection.  In  2024,  Albania  spent  EUR  77,8 

million as its implemented Judicial System budget. This amounts to EUR 28,2 spent per inhabitant. 

45   Albanian Government (2026), pp. 40-41. 
46   2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 6.  
47   2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, pp. 6-7. 
48   CEPEJ  (2025),  p.  16.  The  clearance  rate  in  2024  in  first  instance  was  105%  for  civil  and  commercial 
litigious cases,  103% for administrative cases and  102% for the sum of severe and misdemeanour and/or 
minor criminal cases. In second instance cases, the clearance rate in 2024 was 42% for civil and commercial 
litigious  cases,  77%  for  administrative  cases  and  66%  for  the  sum  of  severe  and  misdemeanour  and/or 
minor criminal cases. 

49   CEPEJ (2025), pp. 2, 16-20. In first instance, in  2024, the disposition time  decreased in comparison with 
2023  by  21%  for  civil  and  commercial  litigious  cases,  9,4%  for  administrative  cases,  and  12,1%  for 
criminal cases. In second instance, in 2024, disposition time decreased in comparison with 2023 by 38,5% 
for administrative cases and by 12,7% in criminal cases. For civil and commercial cases in second instance, 
data for 2023 is not available.  

50   Albanian Government (2026c). High Court (2025), p. 50. 
51   This comprises 100 additional judicial administrators, 41 additional legal advisors, and 59 legal assistants. 
52   Albanian Government (2026), pp. 49-51. 

7 

 
 
 
II. 

ANTI-CORRUPTION FRAMEWORK  

The  perception  among  experts,  citizens  and  business  executives  is  that  the  level  of 
corruption in the public sector remained high. In the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index 
by  Transparency  International,  Albania  scores  39/100  and  ranks  91st  out  of  181  globally53. 
This perception has improved over the past five years54. The 2026 Special Eurobarometer on 
Corruption in Albania shows that 86% of respondents consider corruption widespread in their 
country (EU average 71%) and 39% of respondents feel personally affected by corruption in 
their daily lives (EU average 30%). As regards businesses, 73% of companies consider that 
corruption is  widespread (EU average 65%) and  75% consider that corruption is  a problem 
when doing business (EU average 37%). Furthermore, 44% of respondents find that there are 
enough  successful  prosecutions  to  deter  people  from  corrupt  practices  (EU  average  38%), 
while  52%  of  companies  believe  that  people  and  businesses  caught  for  bribing  a  senior 
official are appropriately punished (EU average 31%)55.  

The Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2024-2030 and its action plan for 2024-2026 are being 
implemented. The implementation of the strategy is led by the Minister of State for Public 
Administration and Anti-Corruption, with technical coordination by the General Directorate 
of Anti-Corruption. The operationalisation of the Strategy is supported through coordination 
and  monitoring  mechanisms,  standardised  reporting  and  quality  review  systems,  as  well  as 
capacity building activities, across central and local governments. The Strategy continued to 
be implemented at a high rate56, including through important legislative reforms in the field 
of  corruption57  and 
the  development  of  sector-specific  corruption  risk  assessment 
methodologies.58.  Further  strengthening  institutional  capacities  to  coordinate,  monitor,  and 
report,  would  enhance  implementation  and  impact,  in  particular  enhancing  the  role  of  anti-
corruption coordinators and the effective implementation of corruption risk assessments.  

The  legal  and  institutional  framework  to  fight  corruption  is  broadly  in  place,  with  an 
operational  Asset  Recovery  Office,  while  certain  gaps  persist.  The  Code  of  Criminal 
Procedure  still  does  not  grant  competence  to  Special  Courts  for  Anti-Corruption  and 
Organised Crime over matters related to the execution of their judgments59. A new law on the 
Asset Recovery Office was adopted in June 202560, and secondary legislation required for the 
implementation of this law has been finalised61. An Asset Recovery Office established within 
the Albanian State Police is expected to lead to an increased asset seizures and confiscations. 
The Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets, which acts as national 
Assets  Management  Office,  was  expanded  from  14  to  36  employees.  The  use  of  financial 

53   Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 (2025). The level of perceived corruption is 
categorized  as  follows:  low  (above  79);  relatively  low  (between  79-60),  relatively  high  (between  59-50), 
high (scores below 50). 

54   In 2021, the score was 35, while, in 2025, the score is 39. The score significantly increases/decreases when 
it changes more than five points; improves/deteriorates (changes between 4-5 points) and is relatively stable 
(changes from 1-3 points) in the last five years. 

55  Data from Special Eurobarometer 573 (2026) and Flash Eurobarometer 582 (2026). 
56  83.5% of planned activities completed in 2025. 
57   Law “On the prevention of conflict of interest in the exercise of public functions”, Law on Lobbying, Law 
“On  some  amendments  to  law  no.  60/2016  “On  whistleblowing  and  protection  of  whistleblowers”,  as 
amended”. 

58   Albanian Government, JFS SC (2026), pp. 41-44.  
59   2023 Screening report Albania, Cluster 1 – Fundamentals, p. 48. 
60   Law No. 44/2025 on the Asset Recovery Office. 
61   Albanian Government, (2026), p. 62. 

8 

 
 
 
investigations has improved, although it still lacks a more proactive approach. Albania is still 
not a signatory party to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention62. 

SPAK continued to demonstrate robust capacities to deliver positive results in fighting 
high-level  corruption,  despite  reported  media  and  politicians’  attempts  to  discredit, 
exert  pressure  and  undue  influence.  The  Special  Anti-Corruption  Structure  (SPAK)63 
continues  to  demonstrate  independence  and  robust  capacities  to  deliver  positive  results  in 
fighting  high-level  corruption,  despite  reported  media  and  political  attempts  to  exert  undue 
influence  and  inappropriate  rhetoric64.  Work  on  developing  SPAK’s  case-management 
system continued, resulting in the finalisation of a significant number of modules increasing 
its  operational  effectiveness.  SPAK  adopted  a  Backlog  Reduction  Strategy  2025-202765. 
Increases  in  SPAK’s  human  resource,  particularly  with  the  planned  recruitment  of  40  new 
investigators and 10 Judicial Police Services Officers66, are expected to enhance capacities to 
manage  the  growing  workload,  while  additional  legal  advisors  are  still  missing67.  SPAK’s 
human, technical and financial resources for financial investigations and asset confiscations 
has also further improved68. 

SPAK continued building a solid track record in combating corruption, particularly at 
high level, while the number of referrals to SPAK from other institutions remains low. 
SPAK  and  the  anti-corruption  and  organised  crime  courts  (SPAK  courts)  have  further 
consolidated  their  results  in  the  investigation,  prosecution  and  adjudication  of  corruption 
cases, including those involving politicians and high-level officials, as well as the protection 
of  EU  financial  interests69.  In  2025,  SPAK  investigated  30  high-level  officials  and  former 
officials (including a Deputy Prime Minister, former Speaker of Parliament, former Minister 
and former Members of Parliament). 18 of them were referred to court and 10 were convicted 
with  a  final  ruling.  In  2025,  the  number  of  completed  investigations  increased  by  3.8% 
compared  to  202470.  In  2025,  SPAK  reported  a  17.7%  increase  in  new  investigations  and 
12.2% in completed cases against corruption, however, the value of seizures (about EUR 1.1 
million)  and  confiscations  (about  EUR  100  000)  from  corruption  offences,  particularly 
involving  high-level  officials,  remain  modest  and  with  a  low  ratio  highlighting  the  need  to 
strengthen  the  effectiveness  of  confiscation  procedures.  The  number  of  referrals  to  SPAK 
from other authorities has increased but remains overall low71. 

62   OECD (2024); Albanian Government (2026), p. 63. Albania states its intention to ratify the Convention by 

2027, according to the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2030. 

63   Special Prosecution Office (SPO) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). 
64   Country visit Albania, Civil society organisations.  
65   2025 Enlargement Report, Albania, p. 32. 
66   Albanian Government (2026), p. 67. 
67   Country visit Albania, SPAK. 
68   Albanian Government (2026), p. 67. As of March 2026, the recruitment of four financial investigators in the 

Financial Investigation Sector was in the final stages.  

69   Albanian Government (2026), Annex no. 3. Specialised bodies in charge of investigating, prosecuting and 
adjudicating  corruption  cases  were  established  in  2016.  These  are  the  Special  Anti-Corruption  Structure 
(SPAK), comprising the Special Prosecution Office (SPO) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 
and the Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime courts (SPAK Courts, both of first instance and appeal). The 
General  Prosecution  Office  (GPO)  is  competent  to  investigate  cases  of  petty  corruption  and  money 
laundering.  
70   SPAK (2026). 
71   Albanian Government (2026), p. 66; 2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, pp. 8-9.  

9 

 
 
 
The institutional framework for corruption prevention has improved but coordination 
with law enforcement remains weak. The Minister of State for Public Administration and 
Anti-Corruption  (MAPA)  adopted  a  manual  for  interinstitutional  coordination  in  the 
implementation  of  the  anti-corruption  strategy,  an  overall  methodology  for  sector-based 
corruption  risk  assessments  and  -reviewed  methodologies  for  risk  assessment  in  public 
procurement.  However,  shortcomings  persist  as  regards  the  capacity  of  the  General 
Directorate on Anti-Corruption (GDAC), to  effectively  implement  and assess  the impact  of 
preventive  measures,  and  to  coordinate  between  institutions  in  charge  of  corruption 
prevention and relevant law enforcement. At the same time, attention was given to high-risk 
sectors through the appointment of anti-corruption coordinators in key institutions. The State 
Audit  Institution  (ALSAI)  maintained  its  track  record  on  judicial  referrals  and  cooperation 
with criminal prosecution bodies. In 2025, ALSAI referred eight cases with criminal elements 
to  prosecution.  Additionally,  there  was  continued  information  sharing  at  the  request  of 
prosecution  authorities  (43  materials  on  issues  requiring  further  investigation  were  shared 
with prosecutorial bodies upon request in 2025)72. 

Despite  some  efforts,  the  State  Police  remains  highly  vulnerable  to  corruption.  The 
Police  Oversight  Agency  (POA)  has  continued  its  activities  to  prevent  and  investigate 
corruption within police ranks. In 2025, the Agency received 1 677 complaints from citizens 
regarding the conduct of the State Police staff directly and 3 846 through a dedicated police 
line.  It  launched  40  inspections  and  recommended  disciplinary  investigations  for  108 
employees.  The  Disciplinary  Investigation  Commission  imposed  disciplinary  measures  on 
114  police  officers.  The  Agency  also  referred  444  law  enforcement  employees  to  criminal 
prosecution, in most cases for “abuse of duty” and “passive corruption”73. To further ensure 
the  integrity  of  the  police  staff,  77  police  staff  have  undergone  periodic  and  transitional 
evaluation (vetting) so far, with 53 decisions of confirmation, and dismissal from duty in one 
case74.  The  transitional  evaluation  process  is  currently  being  carried  out  for  75  staff  of  the 
State  Police,  Police  Oversight  Agency,  and  Republican  Guard.  Concerns  were  raised 
regarding  POA’s  vetting  and  background  checks  of  its  own  staff75,  while  an  administrative 
investigation has been recently completed and sent for trial. 

While  the  effectiveness  and  transparency  of  verifications  of  declarations  of  assets  and 
interests  have  improved,  shortcomings  persist76.  Declarations  of  assets  for  nearly  300 
officials, including members of Parliament and government, members of justice institutions, 
and mayors, have been published on the website of the High Inspectorate for the Declaration 
and  Audit  of  Assets  and  Conflicts  of  Interest  (HIDAACI),  allowing  public  scrutiny  and 
enhancing transparency and the effectiveness of verification of such declarations77. However, 
the number of published declarations remains very limited compared to the total number of 
declarations processed by the agency. In 2025, HIDAACI performed full verifications on 177 
candidates for different positions in the justice system and 19 officers from the State Police, 
the Republican Guard and Police Surveillance Agency. In 2025, HIDAACI imposed 75 fines. 
To  enhance  the  effectiveness  of  verifications,  HIDAACI  is  developing  a  risk-based  model, 
including a red-flag verification manual, and has drafted an operational action plan for 2026-

72   Annual Performance Report 2025, Albanian Supreme Audit Institution (2026, p. 26). 
73   Albanian Government (2026), p. 73. 
74   Albanian Government (2026), p. 76. 
75   These shortcomings were reiterated after an employee of the POA was revealed to be linked to an organised 

crime group following a deadly shooting close to Tirana Airport. Balkanweb.com (2026).  

76   2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 10. 
77   Albanian Government (2026), p. 81. 

10 

 
 
 
202778.  Further  efforts  are  needed  to  strengthen  operating  procedures  and  methodology  to 
ensure effective verification, including the identification of undeclared or concealed assets.  

Significant steps have been taken to reduce the complexity of anti-corruption legislation 
and align it with European standards and EU acquis, while effective implementation is 
yet  to  be  ensured.  Legislation  on  conflicts  of  interests,  lobbying  and  whistleblowers 
protection,  including  provisions  on  post-employment  restrictions,  were  revised,  to  align  it 
with  European  Standards  and  EU  acquis,  while  reducing  the  complexity  of  anti-corruption 
legislation79.  Sound  implementation  of  this  legislation  will  be  key  in  ensuring  the 
effectiveness of the integrity framework. The number of whistleblower reports remains low80. 
During  2025,  HIDAACI  reviewed  11  new  whistleblower  reports  and  eight  requests  for 
protection  against  retaliation81.  The  misuse  of  state  resources  during  electoral  campaigns  is 
still an area of concern. The coordination mechanism established between SPAK, the Central 
Election  Commission  (CEC)  and  the  General  Prosecutor’s  Office  led  to  better  information 
sharing  on  electoral  crimes  and  perceived  as  providing  deterrent  effect.  A  Special 
Parliamentary  Committee  was  established  to  work  on  an  electoral  reform,  including  the 
revisions  to  the  legal  framework  on  political  party  financing,  for  which  cross-party 
consultations and roundtables have been organised. The revision of legislation on donations 
and sponsorships is underway. 

including 

While a structured framework for corruption risk assessment was adopted and applied 
in  some  high-risk  sectors,  further  targeted  preventive  measures  are  needed.  Certain 
sectors continue to be identified as particularly vulnerable to corruption risks, notably health, 
education,  public  procurement,  public-private  partnerships,  law  enforcement,  property,  tax 
and  customs.  Business  integrity  remains  an  area  requiring  particular  attention.  Corruption 
risks  also  persist  in  state-owned  or  partially  state-owned  enterprises,  which  have  taken  on 
in  digital  and 
significant  public  responsibilities, 
infrastructure  sectors,  involving  also  EU  funds.  Transparency  in  public  procurement 
procedures, especially for public-private partnerships, is still limited, in particular with regard 
to the granting of strategic investor status82. Political interference is still widespread and calls 
for  greater  safeguards83.  The  new  Anti-Corruption  Strategy  focuses  on  vulnerable  sectors, 
particularly  public  infrastructure,  cadastre  and  property  rights,  customs,  tax  administration, 
education,  health  and  public  procurement.  Effective  implementation  with  focus  on  results, 
strong monitoring mechanisms and institutional coordination should continue. In April 2025, 
a methodology for corruption risk assessment in the public sector was adopted, introducing a 
structured  framework  for  identifying  and  mitigating  corruption  risks  across  public 
institutions.  During  the  reporting  period,  risk  assessments  were  carried  out  or  initiated  in 
several high-risk sectors, including public procurement, health and property. Following such 

in  public  procurement 

78   Albanian Government (2026), p. 83; Country visit Albania, HIDAACI. 
79  Albanian Government (2026), pp. 59-61. 
80  2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 10. HIDAACI is preparing an action plan for the implementation of 
the law on conflicts of interest, including an awareness raising campaign. Country visit Albania, HIDAACI.  

81  Albanian Government (2026), p. 100. 
82  The law on strategic investments that was initially adopted as a temporary law in 2015 is still in force. It 
provides legal grounds for advantages granted to this category of investors in terms of fiscal incentives or 
simplified procedures of obtaining certain subject to domestic or foreign political influence. 2025 Rule of 
Law Report, Albania, p. 11.  

83  Country visit Albania, civil society organisations.  

11 

 
 
 
an  assessment  in  the  property  sectors,  the  State  Cadastre  Agency  adopted  an  Integrity  Plan 
2025-2027 introducing targeted preventive measures84. 

III.   MEDIA PLURALISM AND MEDIA FREEDOM  

Concerns  persist  with  regard  to  the  independence  of  the  Audio-Visual  Regulatory 
Authority  (AMA),  stemming  from  the  bi-partisan  formula  applied  for  the  election  of 
board  members  and  their  political  affiliation.  The  distribution  of  board  members 
appointments  between  the  majority  and  the  opposition  still  leaves  room  for  political 
influence85. According to the 2026 Media Pluralism  Monitor (MPM), the risk related to the 
independence  of  the  media  authority  is  assessed  as  low,  reflecting  the  existence  of  formal 
safeguards  in  the  appointment  procedure. However,  concerns remain regarding the  political 
affiliations  of 
limited  enforcement  practice, 
particularly regarding the  Broadcasting  Code86  and  the  widespread  use  of  pre-recorded 
political  content  in  media  coverage87. Albania  is  drafting legislation to  reform the  media 
environment,  including  new  amendments  to the Law on  the Audiovisual  Media aiming 
to strengthen  AMA’s independence  and  efficiency.  Limited  resources,  polarisation  of  the 
media landscape and ongoing use of inflammatory rhetoric in public debate has continued to 
undermine self-regulation in the media sector88.  

the  Chair  and  board  members  and 

The limited  independence  of  the  public broadcaster  remains  an  issue  of concern. In 
February 2025, the Parliament voted to dismiss in block all 11 members of the steering board 
of the Public Broadcaster, Albania Radio Television (RTSH) following alleged irregularities 
in  selecting  the  new  Director-General.  A  new  council  was  appointed  in  March  2025.  The 
political  backgrounds  of  certain  steering  board  members  raised  concern  about  partisan 
influence rather than the merit-based selection and independence required by the Audiovisual 
Media Law and the RTSH Statute89. RTSH also faced significant financial challenges as well 
as  labour  related  issues  leading  to  an  intensified  public  debate on how  to  reform  the 
broadcaster90. Following a detailed assessment by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), 
a  reform  support  mission  for  RTSH  was  launched  in  2026  to  address  identified  issues 
including in the broadcaster’s structure, with the aim of aligning with European standards in 
this  area.  MPM  2026  assessed  the  risk  score  relating  to  the independence  of  public  service 
media  to  the  medium–high  risk  range,  citing  irregularities  in  the  selection  process,  limited 

84  Albanian Government, (2026), pp. 52-54. 
85  The  law  provides  for  an  appointment  procedure  whereby  three  candidates  should have  the  support of  the 
majority  in  the  parliament  and  three  the  support  of  the  opposition,  while  the  7th  member,  the  chair,  is 
appointed through a majority vote in the  Parliament; 2024 Rule of Law  Report,  Albania, p. 15; Law No. 
97/2013 on Audiovisual Media Services, Article 9; Venice Commission Opinion “On draft Amendments to 
Law no 97/2013 on the Audiovisual Media Service” (2020) 

86   AMA includes in its organizational structure the Council of Complaints, an independent entity elected by 
AMA, whose function is to examine and address the public’s complaints and inquiries concerning human 
rights and dignity in the audio-visual media sector, by implementing the Broadcasting Code and other AMA 
regulations. 

87   MPM (2026), Albania, p. 17; During electoral campaigns, AMA has the task to monitor and to measure the 
volume  of  institutional  advertising  and  the  overall  broadcasting  of  political  advertisements,  according  to 
rules set out in the Electoral Code, ensuring that all political parties receive equal media coverage. AMA 
also monitors prohibited activities of public institutions in media outlets designated as such by the Central 
Electoral Commission, up to four months before election day. 

88  2025 Enlargement Report, Albania, p. 37. 
89   2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 12; 2025 Enlargement Report, Albania, p. 37; Albanian Government 

(2026), p. 114. 

90  Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. 

12 

 
 
 
representation  of  political  viewpoints  in  programming  and  concerns  regarding  political 
influence over staff appointments and editorial decisions91. 

Steps were taken to address media ownership transparency, while media concentration 
and market penetration by business groups with political links remain issues of serious 
concern. In January 2026, Albania adopted amendments to the Law on Audiovisual Media to 
increase  media  ownership  transparency,  thereby  further  aligning  with  the  European  Media 
Freedom  Act  and  the  Audiovisual  Media  Services  Directive92.  AMA  continued  to  publish 
information  on  ownership  structures  and  beneficial  owners  of  licensed  or  authorised 
audiovisual media on its website, which now has to be actively provided by media outlets to 
AMA93.  MPM  2026  decreased  the  high-risk  score  for  transparency  of  media  ownership  to 
medium-high  risk,  reflecting  the  improvements  made  to  the  legal  framework  while 
underlining  that  the  introduced  transparency  requirements  do  not  apply  to  print  and  online 
sectors94.  Albania  is  in  the  preliminary  stages  of  drafting  proposals  to  tackle  media  market 
concentration.  Meanwhile,  mechanisms  to  address  media  market  concentration,  including 
cross-media ownership rules, remain limited95. Economic penetration of the media market by 
business groups with political links and the overlap of political, business and other interests 
remain a serious concern96. MPM 2026 therefore assesses the indicator for market plurality in 
Albania as high risk, reflecting the strong influence of a limited number of business groups 
operating across several media sectors.  

The  fair  allocation  of  state  advertising  and  other  state  resources  is  still  not  ensured, 
while  some  steps  have  been  taken  towards  establishing  an  audience  measurement 
system.  The  legal  framework  still  lacks  provisions  on  clear  and  transparent  distribution  of 
public  sector  advertising  in  line  with  international  standards.  Standard  public  procurement 
rules  in  the  advertising  procurement  procedure  can  still  be  circumvented97.  MPM  2026 
highlights  that  Albanian  legislation  still  lacks  clear  and  transparent  rules  governing  the 
allocation  of  state  advertising  and  indirect  subsidies  to  media  outlets,  creating  risks  of 
selective distribution and political influence. The relevant indicator increased to high risk98.  

Shortcomings  persist  with  respect  to  the  right  of  access  to  information.  The  right  of 
access  to  information  is  guaranteed  by  Law  No  119/2014  “On  the  Right  to  Information”. 
Public  authorities  continue  to  frequently  rely  on  generic  references  to  “public  interest”  or 
“confidentiality  clauses”  in  public  contracts  when  refusing  requests,  leaving  significant 
discretion  to  public  institutions.  In  practice,  journalists  and  civil  society organisations,  who 
are mostly affected, continue to face delays, refusals, or incomplete responses to information 
requests, particularly in politically sensitive areas such as public procurement, major public 

91   MPM (2026), Albania, p. 21. 
92  Among others, a provision was  introduced to oblige media providers to disclose their ownership structure 
(Art.  33(1)).  Law  no.  15/2026  “On  some  addenda  to  law  no.  97/2013  “On  the  audiovisual  media  in  the 
Republic of Albania”. 

93   The  Audiovisual  Media  Authority  monitors  ownership  structures  and  market  developments  in  relation  to 
audiovisual media and on the basis of information obtained from the National Business Center (NBC) and 
other publicly available sources. 

94   MPM (2026), Albania, pp. 20. 
95   Country  visit  Albania,  civil  society  organisations;  2025  Enlargement  Report,  Albania  p.  37;  Albanian 

96 

Government (2026), p. 73. 
 2023  Enlargement  Report,  Albania  p.  33;  2024  Rule  of  Law  Report,  Albania,  p.  17;  2025  Rule  of  Law 
Report, Albania, p. 12. 

97   2024 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 16-17. 
98   MPM (2026), Albania, p. 31. 

13 

 
 
 
investments  and  EU  accession-related  reforms99.  In  2025,  the  Information  and  Data 
Protection Commissioner received 386 complaints from journalists concerning the refusal to 
provide  information  and  official  documents.  Of  these,  311  cases  were  resolved  by  granting 
the requested information during the administrative review process100. MPM 2026 decreased 
the risk level related to the protection of the right to information to medium - low risk notably 
in  light  of  improvements  made  to  the  protection  for  public  disclosures101.  The  Information 
and  Data  Protection  Commissioner 
institutional 
transparency102. Albania has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official 
Documents103. 

recommendations  on 

issued  12 

(SLAPP) 

targeting 

Cases  of  verbal  and  physical  threats,  smear  campaign  and  strategic  lawsuits  against 
journalists  continued  while  partial 
public  participation 
decriminalisation  of  defamation  was  introduced  for  registered  journalists.  In  January 
2026, Albania removed criminal provisions on defamation for registered journalists104 under 
certain  conditions105.  However,  Albania  committed  to  fully  decriminalise  defamation106. 
Amendments  to  the  Criminal  Code  also  strengthened  protection  of  journalists  against 
violence  and  serious  threats,  by  increasing  sanctions  related  to  attacks  against  them107. 
Preparatory work in the form of legal analysis has begun to align the legal framework with 
EU Anti-SLAPP acquis to include effective procedural safeguards in the law. Journalists still 
have limited access to legal assistance, and systematic monitoring of judicial cases involving 
journalists remains limited. In 2025, the Safe Journalists Network reported a slight decrease 
in the number of incidents affecting journalists with 42 cases of threats, pressures and attacks 
on  journalists  and  media  organisations108.  In  2026,  9  incidents  were  reported109.  Journalists 
continue  to  face  intimidation  and  threats,  including  by  government  officials110.  Women 
journalists  remain  particularly  targeted  by  online  harassment  and  smear  campaigns  111.  The 
Circular on the safety of journalists issued by the General Prosecutor instructs prosecutors to 
treat  cases  of  attacks  against  journalists  and  media  workers  as  a  priority112.  The  Media 
Freedom Rapid Response project reports 42 alerts since July 2024, consisting of 8 ‘physical 
assaults’,  32  ‘verbal  attacks’,  1  ‘attack  to  property’,  3  ‘legal  incidents’  and  12 

99   Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. 
100   Information and Data Protection Commissioner’s Office (2026), written input. 
101   MPM (2026), Albania, pp. 15.;  Law  “On some  amendments to law no. 60/2016 “On whistleblowing and 

protection of whistleblowers”, as amended”. 

102  Albanian Government (2026), p. 115. 
103   The Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents (CETS No. 205), also known as the 

Tromsø Convention, entered into force on 1 December 2020. 

104   The  registration  requirement  for  journalists  was  strongly  criticised  by  the  media  community  and  civil 

society. 

105  Criminal Code, Article 120: a) the main purpose is to inform the public on matters of general interest; b) at 
the  time  of  publication,  he  did  not  know  and,  in  the  specific  circumstances,  could  not  reasonably  have 
known  that  the  factual  data  or  information  were  false  and  has  made  reasonable  efforts  to  verify  their 
accuracy;  and  c)  after  being  informed  by  the  person  concerned  or  by  the  competent  authorities  that  the 
factual data or information are manifestly false or manifestly inaccurate, he acts without delay to provide a 
rebuttal or clarification or to remove them or to disable access to them. 

106  Interim European Union Common Position (2026), p.14. 
107  Country visit Albania, civil society organisations.  
108  45 cases reported in 2024. 
109   Safe Journalists Network (2024, 2025). The 2024 Rule of Law Report noted that “Safe Journalists Network 

has reported 18 cases of attacks against journalists in 2022 and 24 cases in 2023”. 

110  Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. 
111   Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. 
112  Albanian Government (2026), p. 120.  

14 

 
 
 
‘interference’113. Journalists continue to struggle with limited job security and poor working 
conditions.  In  May  2025,  the  State  Labour  Inspectorate  and  Social  Services  and  AMA 
published  on  their  websites  an  information  leaflet  aiming  to  raise  awareness  on  rights  and 
obligations of media workers114.  

IV.  OTHER INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES RELATED TO CHECKS AND BALANCES 

Concerns  remain  regarding  the  quality  of  the  legislative  process,  including  the 
effectiveness  of  public  consultations  and  the  consistent  application  of  evidence-based 
policymaking.  The  Constitutional  Court  in  February  2026  found  that  the  parliamentary 
procedure  for  approving  amendments  to  the  Parliament’s  Rules  of  Procedure  was 
unconstitutional. The Court repealed these amendments due to a violation of the principle of 
representative  democracy  related  to  the  freedom  of  expression  of  the  MPs115.  The 
implementation  of  evidence-based  policy  making  and  public  consultation  rules  remains 
procedural rather than effective. Previously identified shortcomings persist, including the lack 
of  timely  publication  of  drafts  for  stakeholders’  review,  the  quality  of  the  consultation 
process and limited follow-up116. Draft laws continued to be tabled at the very last moment 
by one single MP, which affects the quality and transparency of the legislative process117.  

Changes to the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure were adopted in a consensual manner 
contributing  to  maintaining  an  overall  institutional  balance  in  the  Parliament.  While 
initially the Constitutional Court rejected the new Rules of Procedure adopted by Parliament 
in  September  2025,  new  Rules  of  Procedure  were  adopted118  in  May  2026  through  a 
consensual  process  that  took  into  account  key  concerns  raised  by  the  opposition  and  civil 
society119.  The  amendments  strengthen  important  safeguards  on  public  consultation  and 
transparency120. 

Political  polarisation  continues 
the 
to  negatively 
parliamentary  work.  In  2025  and  2026,  several  protests  called  by  the  opposition  turned 
violent121. Parliament’s oversight over the executive further shrunk122. A number of requests 
from  the  opposition  for  establishing  inquiry  committees  were  turned  down  in  2025123.  The 
politicisation of parliamentary appointments to high-level positions in constitutional bodies or 
independent institutions remains a serious issue124. 

functioning  of 

impact 

the 

The  Constitutional  Court  continued  to  effectively  uphold  institutional  checks  and 
balances,  deliberating  on  milestone  cases  related  to  the  division  of  power  between  the 

113   European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, Media Freedom Rapid Response – Albania. 
114  Albanian Government (2026), p. 113.  
115   Constitutional Court of the Republic of Albania (2026).  
116   Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. 
117   Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. 
118    Albanian  Government  (2026).  The  amendments  to  the  Parliament’s  Rules  of  Procedure  adopted  in  May 
2026  include  the  reorganisation  of  the  structure  of  the  Assembly’s  standing  committees,  from  8  to  11 
committees, and the definition of their respective fields of responsibility.  

119  Statement by Civil Society on the New Regulation Parliament of 13 March 2026. 
120    The  new  amendments  to  the  Parliament’s  Rules  of  Procedure  strengthen  accountability  mechanisms  and 

parliamentary oversight on institutions and introduce new protections for the parliamentary minority. 

121   2025 Enlargement Report, Albania, p. 4. 
122   Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. Albanian Government (2026c). The Parliament adopted 

an Annual Parliamentary Oversight Calendar for 2026. 

123   Shqiptarja.com (2025). 
124   2025 Enlargement Report, Albania, p. 4. 

15 

 
 
 
parliament,  the  government  and  the  judiciary125.  High-profile  constitutional  cases  tested 
the  court’s  role  in  the  separation  of  powers.  The  Court  continued  to  function  effectively. 
During  the reporting period, Parliament implemented the rulings  of the Court regarding the 
Law  on  the  registration  of  non-profit  organisations  126.  However,  Parliament  still  needs  to 
implement a ruling of the Constitutional Court, which requires the Civil Procedure Code to 
be  amended127.  While  the  Parliament  also  acted  to  implement  the  Constitutional  Court 
decision related to the Law on Inquiry Committees, this was done beyond the deadlines set by 
the Court and triggered criticism on inadequate implementation from the opposition128. The 
Constitutional  Court  issued  a  ruling  clarifying  the  calculation  of  its  members’  mandate, 
thereby  resolving  the  legal  uncertainty  surrounding  the  end  of  two  members’  terms  and 
reconciling the applicable constitutional principles129. Two vacancies at the Court remain to 
be  filled.  While  all  the  criteria  for  the  selection  of  the  constitutional  judges  are  in  place, 
challenges  persist  in  ensuring  the  timely  and  transparent  implementation  of  the  selection 
process. 

The refusal by Parliament to lift the immunity of a  Member of Parliament has raised 
concerns  as  regards  the  principles  of  checks  and  balances  and  of  equality  before  the 
law.  In  March  2026,  Parliament  rejected  a  request  from  SPAK  to  lift  the  immunity  of  a 
Member of Parliament over charges of violation of equality in tenders130. This refusal raised 
concerns  about  the  principles  of  checks  and  balances  and  of  equality  before  the  law131.  In 
parallel, a group of Members of Parliament from the ruling majority proposed amendments to 
the  Criminal  procedure  Code  aimed  at  expanding  the  category  of  officials  who  cannot  be 
suspended from their functions, as a precautionary measure, during judicial proceedings. The 
amendments  raised  concerns  that  they  could  hamper  the  effectiveness  of  criminal 
investigations, including for high-level corruption investigations, and that their timing could 
contribute to a perception of impunity132. 

On  1  January  2026,  Albania  had  28  leading  judgments  of  the  European  Court  of 
Human  Rights  pending  implementation,  an  increase  of  3  compared  to  the  previous 
year133.  At  that  time,  Albania’s  rate  of  leading  judgments  from  the  past  10  years  that  had 
been implemented was at 29% (compared to 25% in 2025; 71% remained pending), and the 
average time that the judgments had been pending implementation was 4 years and 5 months 
(compared  to  4  years  and  3  months  in  2025)134.  The  oldest  leading  judgment,  pending 
implementation  for  12  years,  concerns  the  failure  to  implement  domestic  decisions  by  the 
public administration135. As regards the respect of payment deadlines, on 31 December 2025 

125   2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, pp. 15-16. 
126   Constitutional Court of the Republic of Albania (2023). 
127   Constitutional Court of the Republic of Albania (2022).  
128  Discussions 

Albanian 

in 

Parliament, 

22 

November 

2025: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gVHrxjP9Bg. 
129  Constitutional Court of the Republic of Albania (2025).  
130   SPAK, 31.10.2025 [https://spak.gov.al/njoftim-per-shtyp-date-31-10-2025/]. 
131   According  to  the  recent  Constitutional  Court  decision,  parliamentary  immunity  is  a  functional  guarantee 
intended  to  safeguard  the  free  and  independent  exercise  of  public  office  and  to  protect  Member  of 
Parliament from politically motivated attacks and does not constitute a personal privilege. In its case law, 
the Court has recalled that such immunity is limited to measures involving deprivation of liberty or house or 
personal search. 

132   Country visit Albania, civil society organisations.  
133   For an explanation of the supervision process, see the website of the Council of Europe.   
134   All figures calculated by the European  Implementation Network (EIN) and based on the number of cases 
that are considered pending at the annual cut-off date of 1 January 2026. EIN (2026), written input, p. 1. 

135   Judgment of the ECtHR, 40430/08, Memishaj v. Albania, pending implementation since 2014.  

16 

 
 
 
there were 17 cases in total awaiting confirmation of payments (the same as in 2024)136. On 
17  June  2026,  the  number  of  leading  judgments  pending  implementation  had  increased  to 
32137.  

A new Ombudsperson and a new Commissioner for Protection against Discrimination 
(CPD) were appointed. Both institutions continued to enjoy a stable level of public trust and 
awareness  about  their  competences.  A  new  Ombudsperson  (People’s  Advocate)  was 
appointed  in  December  2025  after  the  previous  mandate  had  expired  in  2022,  without  the 
cross-party  support  in  Parliament  that  had  traditionally  accompanied  the  appointment138. 
Amendments  to  the  Law  on  the  People’s  Advocate  were  adopted  ensuring  that  the 
Ombudsperson’s  annual  report  is  published  before  being  submitted  to  Parliament139.  The 
State Budget for 2026 envisages an increase of three additional staff members in the People’s 
Advocate  office.  The  largest  number  of  complaints  received  by  the  Ombudsperson  in  2025 
pertained to the restrictions of personal liberty with 169 complaints corresponding to 9.56% 
of  new  cases  registered.  The  implementation  rate  of  the  recommendations  issued  by  the 
Ombudsperson remains overall low  140. In May 2026, parliament appointed a new CPD. The 
previous mandate had expired in 2023141. Both institutions continued to report shortcomings 
in financial resources that have not been addressed by Parliament142. The CPD also reported 
insufficient human resources. 

More  than  two  thirds  of  the  companies  surveyed  in  Albania  express  high  levels  of 
confidence  in  the  effectiveness  of  investment  protection.  71%  of  companies  are  very  or 
fairly  confident  that  investments  are  protected  by  law  and  court,  a  figure  which  has 
significantly increased in comparison with 2025 (40%)143. Further, 69% perceive the level of 
independence  of  the  public  procurement  review  body  (Public  Procurement  Committee)  as 
very  or  fairly  good,  a  figure  which  has  significantly  increased  in  comparison  with  2025 
(26%)144.  57%  perceive  the  level  of  independence  of  the  national  competition  authority 
(Albanian  Competition  Authority)  as  very  or  fairly  good,  a  figure  which  has  significantly 
increased in comparison with 2025 (38%)145.  

Overall,  civil  society  organisations  (CSOs)  continue  to  operate  freely,  but  continue  to 
face  challenges,  such  as  discreditation,  limited  transparency  in  policymaking,  uneven 
consultation  practices,  and  financial  sustainability  constraints146.  The  civic  space 
continues to be considered as “narrowed” by Civicus147. With a two-year delay, amendments 
to the Law No. 80/2021 “On the Registration of Non-Profit Organisations” were adopted to 
comply  with  the  decision  of  Constitutional  Court  Decision  that  annulled  inter  alia  the 

136   Council of Europe (2026), p. 162.   
137   Data according to the online database of the Council of Europe (HUDOC). 
138  The previous mandate holder of the People’s Advocate remained in office in the interim period. 
139  Date of submission of the first annual report after adopted amendments was 30.04.2026. 
140   The overall implementation rate was 21% in 2025, according to the Ombudsperson. 
141  The previous mandate holder of the CPD remains in office in the interim period. 
142   Country visit Albania, Ombudsperson. 
143   Flash Eurobarometer 582 (2026) and Flash Eurobarometer 555 (2025). In 2026, only 15% and 7% of the 
surveyed investors respectively perceive  concerns about quality, efficiency or independence of justice the 
frequent changes in legislation or concerns about the quality of the law-making process as a reason for the 
lack of confidence in investment protection.     

144   Flash Eurobarometer 582 (2026) and Flash Eurobarometer 555 (2025). 
145   Flash Eurobarometer 582 (2026) and Flash Eurobarometer 555 (2025). 
146  Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. 
147   CIVICUS (Dec 2025). Albania’s score is 68/100. Ratings by Civicus given on a five-category scale defined 

as: open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed and closed.  

17 

 
 
 
mandatory registration requirement for non-profit organisations148. Overall, the amendments 
largely  reflect  the  Court’s  decision,  but  the  issue  of  administrative  sanctions  remains  a 
concern149.  The  Electronic  Register  Non-Profit  Organisations  is  not  yet  operational150.  The 
main  governmental  strategic  document  to  support  civil  society  expired  in  2023  while  the 
preparation of a new strategic framework is still pending. Changes to improve the functioning 
of the National Council for Civil Society (NCCS)151 have not yet been made152. The public 
funding  made  available  to  CSOs  through  the  Agency  has  not  increased  and  remains 
insufficient153. Progress has been made in the implementation of VAT exemption, addressing 
a long-standing  concern  raised by civil  society154.While consultation  exercises were carried 
out with CSOs on the Law on donations and sponsorship, concerns remain on the potentially 
restrictive  effects  of  certain  provisions  on  the  operating  environment  for  civil  society, 
including excessive administrative burdens. Negative narratives and online smear campaigns 
continued155.  Human  rights  defenders  and  CSOs  working  on  gender  and  LGBTIQ+  rights 
were particularly targeted.  

148   Constitutional Court of the Republic of Albania (2023). 
149   Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. 
150  Country visit Albania, civil society organisations. 
151   2024 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 24; 2025 Rule of Law Report, Albania, p. 17.  
152   Draft law on “some amendments and additions to Law N°10093, dated 9 March 2009, on the organisation 

and functioning of the Agency for the Support of Civil Society” (under public consultation). 

153   Average annual budget of EUR 800,000 in line with the minimum legal requirements.  
154   Country  visit  Albania,  civil  society  organisations,  GoA  contribution.  Following  the  instructions  issued  in 
February  2025,  VAT  exemption  to  grant  agreements  funded  through  bilateral  agreements  between  the 
Albanian  Government  and  foreign  governments  and  ratified  by  Parliament  is  now  operational.  Further 
awareness-raising among CSOs, suppliers and the Tax Administration outside Tirana is particularly needed 
to ensure full and efficient implementation.  
155  Country visit Albania, civil society organisations.  

18 

 
 
 
Annex I: List of sources in alphabetical order* 

* The list of contributions received in the context of the consultation for the 2026 Rule of Law Report 
can 
https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2026-rule-law-report-targeted-
stakeholder-consultation_en  

found 

be 

at 

A2news.com (2024), Opposition protest, State Police: 10 officers injured (Protesta e opozitës, Policia 
e  Shtetit:  Janë  dëmtuar  10  efektivë),  https://a2news.com/shqiperia/kronike/protesta-e-opozites-
policiae-shtetit-jane-demtuar-10-efektive-i1129756  

Albanian Government (2026), written contribution for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.  

Albanian Government (2026b), written input, Justice Freedom and Security Sub-committee. 

Albanian Government (2026c), additional written contribution for the 2025 Rule of Law Report. 

Balkanweb.com  (2026),  Assassination  in  Rinas!  Tirana  Prosecutor’s  Office  requests  suspension  of 
AMP  director  allowed  employment  of  Muçi  Shaljani  in  violation  of  the  law  (Atentati  në  Rinas! 
Prokuroria  e  Tiranës  kërkon  pezullimin  e  një  drejtori  të  AMP,  lejoi  punësimin  e  Muçi  Shaljanit  në 
shkelje të ligjit (Emri)), https://www.balkanweb.com/en/atentati-ne-rinas-prokuroria-e-tiranes-kerkon-
pezullimin-e-nje-drejtori-te-amp-lejoi-punesimin-e-muci-shaljanit-ne-shkelje-te-ligjit/#gsc.tab=0.  

CEPEJ (2025), Dashboard Western Balkans – 2024 Data Collection, Towards a better evaluation of 
the  results  of  judicial  reforms  in  the  Western  Balkans  –  “Dashboard  Western  Balkans“  -  European 
Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ).  

Centre  for  Media  Pluralism  and  Freedom  (2026),  Media  Pluralism  Monitor,  Country  report  for 
Albania – [Not yet published]. 

CIVICUS (2025), Albania, https://monitor.civicus.org/country/albania/  

Constitutional  Court  of  the  Republic  of  Albania  (2022),  Decision  V-30/22  of  2  November  2022, 
https://www.gjykatakushtetuese.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Vend.30_22.docx. 

Constitutional  Court  of  the  Republic  of  Albania  (2023),  Decision  V-62/23  of  20  November  2023, 
https://qbz.gov.al/eli/vendim/2023/11/20/62. 

Constitutional  Court  of  the  Republic  of  Albania  (2025),  Decision  V-60/25  of  16  October  2025, 
https://www.gjykatakushtetuese.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vend.6025.pdf. 

Constitutional  Court  of  the  Republic  of  Albania  (2026),  Final  decisions  of  February  2026, 
https://www.gjykatakushtetuese.gov.al/vendime-perfundimtare-shkurt-2026/  

Council of Europe (2026), Supervision of the execution of judgments decisions of the European Court 
of Human Rights – 19th Annual Report of the Committee of Ministers – 2025, https://rm.coe.int/2025-
annual-report/48802b1633.  

Council of Europe (2025a), https://www.coe.int/en/web/execution/the-supervision-process. 

Council 
https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng#{%22documentcollectionid2%22:[%22GRANDCHAMBER%22,%22
CHAMBER%22]}.  

HUDOC 

(2025b), 

Europe 

database, 

of 

Council  of  Europe, Venice  Commission (2013),  Opinion  on  the  Legislation  on Defamation in  Italy, 
adopted  by  the  Venice  Commission  at  its  97th  Plenary  Session  (Venice,  6-7  December  2013), 
https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-AD(2013)038-e. 

Council  of  Europe,  Consultative  Council  of  European  Judges  (2015),  Opinion  No.  18/2015  on  the 
position  of  the  judiciary  and  its  relation  with  the  other  powers  of  state  in  a  modern  democracy, 
https://rm.coe.int/16807481a1. 

19 

 
 
Discussions 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gVHrxjP9Bg. 

Albanian 

in 

Parliament, 

22 

November 

2025, 

European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, Media Freedom Rapid response – Albania.  

European Commission (2023a), 2023 Screening report Albania, Cluster 1 – Fundamentals. 

European Commission (2023b), 2023 Communication on EU Enlargement policy, Albania Report. 

European Commission (2024a), 2024 Communication on EU Enlargement policy, Albania Report. 

European  Commission  (2024b),  2024  Rule  of  Law  Report,  Country  Chapter  on  the  rule  of  law 
situation in Albania. 

European Commission (2025a), 2025 Communication on EU Enlargement policy, Albania Report. 

European  Commission  (2025b),  2025  Rule  of  Law  Report,  Country  Chapter  on  the  rule  of  law 
situation in Albania. 

European Implementation Network (2026), Input from the European Implementation Network for the 
2026 Rule of Law Report. 

High  Court 
1.amazonaws.com/Raporti_vjetor_ANGLISHT_109e16c924.pdf  

Performance  Report, 

(2025),  Annual 

https://gjykata-media.s3.eu-central-

High Judicial Council (2025), Decision No. 769/2025. 

High Prosecutorial Council (2025), Decision No. 339/2025 – https://klp.al/2025/11/17/per-miratimin-
e-rregullores-per-kodin-e-etikes-dhe-parandalimin-e-konfliktit-te-interesit-per-anetaret-e-keshillit-te-
larte-te-prokurorise/. 

Institute  for  Political  Studies,  Opinion  on  the  draft  amendments  to  the  Rules  of  Procedure  of  the 
Assembly  of  the  Republic  of Albania  (2026)  (Opinion  mbi  draftin  e  ndryshimeve  në  Rregulloren  e 
Kuvendit  të  RSH  (2026)),  https://isp.com.al/opinion-mbi-draftin-e-ndryshimeve-ne-rregulloren-e-
kuvendit-te-rsh-2026/. 

International Monitoring Operation (2026), Written contribution for the 2026 Rule of Law Report. 

Organisation  for  Economic  Co-operation  and  Development  (2024),  Convention  on  Combating 
Bribery  of  Foreign  Public  Officials  in  International  Business Transactions,  Ratification  Status  as  of 
August 2024, https://www.oecd.org/daf/anti-bribery/WGBRatificationStatus.pdf.  

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (2024), Convention on Combating Bribery 
of  Foreign  Public  Officials  in  International  Business  Transactions,  Ratification  Status  as  of August 
2024, https://www.oecd.org/daf/anti-bribery/WGBRatificationStatus.pdf.  

Network 

Journalists 

Safe 
(2024, 
https://safejournalists.net/incidents/?lang=en&keyword=&country=&gender=&is_gender_based=&ty
pe_of_incident=&life_threat_type=&other_threat_type=&physical_attack_type=&organisation_threat
_type=&organisation_attack_type=&incident_means=&incident_year=&who_was_attacked=&were_
authorities_informed=&by_whom=&perpetrator=&judiciary_status=&type_of_violation=&ja_reactio
n=&ja_was_informed=&page=1. 

Incidents 

2025), 

Database, 

SPAK (2026), Written contribution for the 2026 Rule of Law Report. 

Shqiptarja.com (2025), PS rejected the request to establish investigative commissions for McGonigal 
and  May  11;  the  PD  appealed  to  the  Constitutional  Court  (PS  rrëzoi  kërkesën  për  ngritjen  e 
komisioneve  hetimore  për  McGonigal  dhe  11  majin,  PD  ankim  në  Kushtetuese) 
https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/ps-rrezoi-kerkesen-per-ngritjen-e-komisioneve-hetimore-per-mcgonigal-
dhe-11-majin-pd-ankim-ne-kushtetuese. 

20 

 
 
Shqiptarja.com (2026), PS rejects the request for an investigative commission on IPARD funds; PD 
takes  it  to  the  Constitutional  Court:  violation  of  the  opposition's  rights  (PS  i  rrëzoi  kërkesën  për 
komision  hetimor  për  fondet  e  IPARD,  PD  e  çon  në  Kushtetuese:  Cenim  i  të  drejtave  të  opozitës), 
https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/ipard-ii-pd-con-ne-kushtetuese-rrezimin-e-kerkeses-per-komisionin-
hetimor-u-cenua-e-drejta-e-opozites. 

Transparency 
https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025.  

International 

(2025), 

Corruption 

Perception’s 

Index 

2025 

21 

 
 
Annex II: Country visit to Albania 

The Commission services held virtual and hybrid meetings in February 2026 with: 

•  Albanian Association of Journalists 
•  Albanian Center for Economic Research 
•  Albanian Helsinki Committee 
•  Albanian Institute of Sciences (AIS) 
•  Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) 
•  Albanian Media Council 
•  Albanian Media Institute 
•  Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) Albania 
•  Berlin Center for Integrative Mediation (CSSP) 
•  Centre for the Study of Democracy and Governance (CSDG) 
•  Centre Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV) 
•  Centre for European Development and Cooperation 
•  Constitutional Court 
•  European Movement in Albania (EMA)  
•  General Prosecutor’s Office 
•  High Court 
•  High Inspectorate of Declaration and Audit of Assets and Conflicts of Interest 

(HIDAACI) 

•  High Judicial Council 
•  High Justice Inspector (HJI)  
•  High Prosecutorial Council  
• 
Institute for Democracy and Mediation 
•  National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 
•  Ombudsperson/People’s Advocate 
•  Partners Albania for Change and Development 
•  Special Prosecution Office (SPO) 
•  Tirana Legal Aid Society (TLAS)  
•  Together for life 
•  Union of Albanian Judges 

* The Commission also met the following organisations in a number of horizontal meetings:  

•  Civil Liberties Union for Europe 
•  Civil Society Europe 
•  End FGM EU 
•  European Civic Forum 
•  European Partnership for Democracy 
•  Human Rights Watch 
• 
• 

ILGA-Europe 
International Federation for Human Rights 

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•  Philea - Philanthropy Europe Association 
•  Transparency International EU  

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