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"There is pressure on justice", EC: Albania does not close any chapter without meeting the standards

Politiko 2025-06-16 22:24:00

"There is pressure on justice", EC: Albania does not close any chapter

Albania's integration into the European Union seems to have a long way to go. The European Commission has sent a "non-paper", a document that has not been made public, which talks about the current situation of Albania and the necessity to first close chapters 23 and 24 initiated on October 15, 2024.

The “non-paper” is sent to the working groups that are dealing with Albania's progress with the negotiating chapters. The “non-paper” states that, “Progress in the group of chapters will determine the overall pace of the negotiations.

This includes in particular the fulfillment of interim benchmarks under chapters 23 and 24. As foreseen by the Negotiating Framework, no chapter can be closed before Albania reaches this objective.” The European Commission document raises serious concerns about the justice system and the pressure exerted on it by the government and the legislature at the time of the arrest of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, writes A2 CNN.

“While the stability of the judiciary has generally improved, increasing attempts by public officials or politicians to exert undue interference and pressure on the judicial system have added to concerns. The investigation and arrest of an elected official by the GJKKO in February 2025 triggered unprecedented public reactions from the executive and legislative branches, including attempts to exert pressure on SPAK and judicial institutions. This raises serious concerns. SPAK published two letters of complaint addressed to the Ministry of Interior and the State Police for the failure to strengthen security and ensure the safety of SPAK personnel during a protest outside SPAK premises.”

Regarding corruption and organized crime, the document states that, "Albania has not yet demonstrated a credible and consistent practice of launching parallel financial investigations in cases related to serious and organized crime."

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