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Free legal aid expanded, government adds beneficiaries

2026-07-14 14:50:00, Aktualitet CNA

The free legal aid scheme is expected to be expanded with new categories of beneficiaries and a broader package of expenses covered by the state budget. The changes have been proposed by the Ministry of Justice through a new draft law, which aims to increase citizens' access to justice.

The list of new beneficiaries includes victims of terrorism, victims of crime and their families, persons seeking recognition of disability status, beneficiaries of economic assistance and social pension. Support will also be provided to the Roma and Egyptian communities in matters related to civil documentation, as well as to whistleblowers reporting violations of European legislation.

In addition to expanding the categories, the changes also bring increased financial support. The state will not be limited to covering court fees, but will also include other expenses, such as notary fees, cadastral fees, expert fees and other costs related to the implementation of court decisions.

According to the government's argument, some citizens who have obtained court decisions in their favor have encountered difficulties in enforcing them due to the additional costs. For this reason, expanding financial coverage is seen as a way to make legal aid more effective.

The draft law also provides for the simplification of application procedures. To receive primary legal aid, only an identification document and a declaration from the citizen will be required, while other verifications will be carried out only when there is uncertainty about the data submitted.

For cases of victims of violence, minors and urgent situations, a special procedure will be established for the faster assignment of a lawyer.

Meanwhile, the Free Legal Aid Directorate will have more extensive powers, including the right to challenge in court decisions that are considered to be contrary to legal criteria or abusive.

The draft law, part of the 2026 legislative program, aims to strengthen legal protection for groups in need and further adapt the Albanian system to European Union standards./ CNA