
The European Commission's 2026 report on the functioning and implementation of the law and justice institutions in the country has been published.
The report notes the clashes between Prime Minister Rama and the socialist majority with SPAK and the Special Court regarding the immunity of former Deputy Prime Minister Balluku.
He points out that SPAK's request led to negative reactions from the government and the socialist majority, including attacks on SPAK and justice institutions.
"The suspension from duty of a senior official, ordered by the SPAK Court in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code, as well as SPAK's request to Parliament to lift the parliamentary immunity of this official, caused strong negative reactions from the executive and legislative branches, including direct attacks on SPAK and judicial institutions," the report notes.
While noting achievements and improvements, the report notes that the State Police is still vulnerable to corruption. The document notes that there are still attempts to pressure justice institutions and personal attacks on magistrates.
“Although the judicial system remains resilient, attempts to improperly influence justice institutions and personal attacks on magistrates continued. The previously identified challenges in conducting timely and quality evaluations of judges remain. The overall quality of judicial training has improved and the case stock has been partially reduced, while the full operationalization of a modern integrated electronic case management system remains to be achieved, including a maintenance plan and training,” the report states.
“The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has continued to deliver positive results in the fight against high-level corruption, building a solid track record of investigations, prosecutions and convictions. The institutional framework for preventing corruption has improved, but cooperation with law enforcement agencies remains weak. Corruption risks continue to be present in the State Police, in public procurement and in high-risk sectors, for which Albania is currently implementing risk assessments,” the report further emphasizes.