The European Commission has published report of the year 2026 on the situation of the rule of law in Albania, where it is assessed that the country has continued the implementation of the justice reform and the Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy, but significant challenges are still identified in the fight against corruption, the independence of the media, transparency and the quality of the legislative process. According to the report, the vetting process for all judges and prosecutors has been fully completed after the closure of the appeals phase. The European Commission assesses that this process has further strengthened the independence, accountability and integrity of the justice system.
However, the report highlights that challenges remain in embedding high vetting standards in the mainstream justice system, including through the revision of the rules for the appointment of non-magistrate members to the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council. The European Commission assesses that the High Inspector of Justice remains functional, but faces a persistently high number of vacancies for magistrate inspector positions.
"Despite the fact that the judicial system has shown resilience, attempts to improperly influence justice institutions and personal attacks on magistrates have continued," the report states.
According to the document, issues still remain regarding the timely and quality completion of judge evaluations. Meanwhile, the quality of judicial training has improved and the number of cases transferred has been partially reduced, but the modern integrated electronic case management system is still not fully functional.
SPAK is appreciated for its results against corruption
The European Commission report assesses the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2030 and its action plan for the period 2024-2026.
According to the EU, the legal framework for the fight against corruption is largely in place and Albania has taken important steps to align with European standards.
A positive assessment is dedicated to the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), which, according to the report, has continued to deliver results in the fight against high-level corruption and has established a solid track record of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions.
However, the Commission notes that coordination between corruption prevention institutions and law enforcement structures remains weak.
"Corruption continues to be present in the State Police, public procurement, and high-risk sectors," the report states.
The EU assesses that Albania is currently implementing risk assessments in these areas, while improvements have been identified in the verification of asset and interest declarations by the High Inspectorate for Declaration and Control of Assets and Conflicts of Interest (HIDAKKI), although some shortcomings continue to exist.
Media, one of the areas where the EU raises concerns
In the 2026 report, the European Commission expresses concerns about the independence of the media regulatory authority, linking them to the appointment procedures of board members and their political affiliation.
Also, the limited independence of the public broadcaster remains a concern.
Although steps have been taken to increase transparency of media ownership, the report highlights that media concentration and the influence of politically connected business groups continue to pose a serious problem.
According to the EU, a fair system for audience measurement, distribution of state advertising and other public resources has not yet been guaranteed. The report also highlights shortcomings in the right to access information, while cases of verbal and physical threats against journalists, smear campaigns and strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) have continued.
Criticism of the legislative process and political polarization
The European Commission notes that concerns about the quality of the legislative process remain, particularly regarding the use of evidence-based policies and the effectiveness of public consultations. According to the report, political polarization continues to negatively affect the work of the Assembly.
At the same time, the Constitutional Court is assessed to have continued to play an effective role in guaranteeing institutional checks and balances.
The report also mentions the appointment of a new Ombudsman and a new Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. As for civil society, the European Commission assesses that organizations continue to operate freely, but face challenges such as public discrediting, limited transparency in policy-making, uneven consultation practices and difficulties with financial sustainability.
