The European Commission has prepared the draft of the 2023 Progress Report for Albania, where in a copy seen by Top Channel, evaluations and some criticisms are expressed for the latest local elections while appreciating the structural reforms of the government.
“The elections of May 14, 2023 took place in a calm climate, but some concern is related to the misuse of state resources after allegations of pressure on the public sector voters, as well as accusations of vote buying. The political scene is dominated by polarization and a strong ongoing division within the largest opposition party,” the report states.
The European Commission said that it appreciates the digitalization initiatives of public services but requires the increase of security measures and the protection of personal data, after the cyber attacks of August 2022.
The report also analyzes the developments in the Albanian justice sector, for which it says:
“Albania has a moderate level of preparation for a functioning justice system. The implementation of the justice reform continues to make good progress. The SPAK special prosecution achieved good results” – the report states.
But EU officials add that Albania must guarantee the continuation of criminal proceedings against judges and prosecutors in whom the vetting process revealed criminal elements. Good progress has been made with justice reform up to this reporting period.
The European Commission reaches this conclusion about the fight against corruption in Albania.
“Albania has a level of preparation in the fight against corruption, but despite progress and efforts, corruption continues to remain an area of serious concern. SPAK investigated a number of high-level cases, made arrests and convictions. Corruption is evident in the public sector and business life and preventive measures have had limited impact. It is required to strengthen the investigations, the raising of charges and the final punishment for cases of high-level corruption, as well as to increase the confiscation of criminal assets in the cases related to corruption”, says the report.
Meanwhile, the report says that there is progress in dealing with organized crime.
“Albania had a good cooperation with European law enforcement agencies in the fight against organized crime. More efforts are needed in the fight against narcotics. Albania must be careful with the production mechanisms of medical Cannabis after the adoption of the law.”
Top Channel
