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The Albania-EU Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security, important for further progress in approximation with the EU acquis

by AI | 14.Feb 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The European Commission recognized Albania’s efforts and called for strengthening the effectiveness of the anti-corruption prevention framework, especially in vulnerable sectors, and increasing the effectiveness of the verification of asset declarations.

16th Meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security between the EU and Albania (Photo: Ministry of Interior of Albania)

The 16th meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security between the EU and Albania was held in Tirana.

The European Commission and Albanian authorities discussed the latest developments following the joint EU stance of October 2024, which marked the opening of EU membership negotiations with Albania for Chapter 1: Fundamentals.

The meeting was co-chaired by Sigrid Brettel, head of the Unit for Albania and North Macedonia in the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood of the European Commission (European Commission), Besfort Lamallari, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Albania, and Tedi Dobi, Deputy Minister of Justice of Albania.

The opening speeches were given by Minister of Internal Affairs Ervin Hoxha, General Prosecutor Olsian Çela, head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Altin Dumani, and Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission.

The European Commission welcomed the ongoing results of specialized bodies for combating corruption and organized crime (SPAK).

The importance of further progress in aligning with the EU acquis in this area and a fully functional Asset Recovery Office, established within the Albanian State Police, was also emphasized.

The European Commission recognized Albania’s efforts and called for strengthening the efficiency of the anti-corruption prevention framework particularly in vulnerable sectors and enhancing the effectiveness of asset declaration verifications. The European Commission also reiterated the need to address GRECO’s outstanding recommendations.

Regarding progress in implementing judicial reform, the Commission welcomed the successful completion of the temporary reassessment process of first instance judges and prosecutors (vetting). The Commission reiterated the need for ongoing consolidation of independence, accountability, integrity, and quality of the judiciary, and efforts to improve efficiency at all levels.

For cooperation in the fight against drugs, the Commission took note of the recent establishment of a national Early Warning System and encouraged its full operationalization.

For asylum, visas, migration, and border management, the Commission welcomed Albania’s good progress in implementing the EU’s Action Plan for the Western Balkans.

Regarding fundamental rights, the European Commission welcomed progress in aligning with the EU acquis in the field of data protection and progress in adopting implementing legislation for the rights of persons belonging to minorities. (14 February)