Rule of Law Report 2025 for Albania/ Here are the assessments for 4 key areas

2025-07-09 15:58:00, Politikë CNA

The European Commission, in its published Country Report for Albania, places emphasis on strengthening key rule of law institutions, as part of ongoing justice reforms and the fight against corruption.

The publication of the Rule of Law Report 2025 for Albania marks an important moment in assessing Albania's progress in strengthening the rule of law, setting a benchmark with EU member states in four key areas of the rule of law: the justice system, anti-corruption, media freedom, and the functioning of democratic institutions.

Justice

The report assesses the continued progress in implementing the justice reform, including the first-instance completion of the vetting process and the adoption of the Intersectoral Justice Strategy 2024-2030. The judicial infrastructure has been improved and a budget has been allocated for the electronic case management system. However, challenges such as the lack of human resources, inter-institutional coordination and the excessive length of judicial processes remain to be addressed.

ANTI-CORRUPTION

The adoption of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2030 and the performance of SPAK in prosecuting high-level corruption were positively assessed. Financial investigations and asset confiscation have improved. Challenges include the perception of corruption in public administration, monitoring the implementation of the strategy, and further improvements in the legal framework.

Media Freedom and Pluralism

The report welcomes the increased transparency on the ownership of audiovisual media. However, it states that work remains to strengthen the independence of the AMA and the public broadcaster, as well as to address the concentration of media ownership, the distribution of state advertising and pressure on journalists.

Institutions and Democratic Control

The Constitutional Court has functioned effectively during this period. Challenges include the quality of the legislative process, political polarization, and delays in appointing heads of independent institutions such as the Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. Civil society organizations continue to operate freely and the new VAT guidance addresses civil society’s needs for a supportive fiscal framework, and the report welcomed the preparation of a new draft law on volunteerism.

The Rule of Law Report 2025 for Albania provides a clear overview of progress and guides us on the path towards strengthening the rule of law and European integration for Albania 2030./CNA