The European Parliament’s report on Albania raises several concerns related mainly to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, but also to media freedom and attacks on journalists.
According to the report, criminal prosecutions and final sentences are needed in relation to high-level corruption.
We recall that the Socialist Party, with the force of cardboard, prevented the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, rejecting the request for the lifting of immunity submitted to the Assembly by the Special Prosecution Office.
“Alarming decline in Corruption Index: Albania has fallen from 80th place (2024) to 91st (2025) in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
-Corruption remains a “serious concern”: despite progress in the legal framework, the report emphasizes that corruption remains a serious concern and Albania needs to strengthen dedicated police capacities.
-Lack of results in high-level convictions: consolidation of the “track record” of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions is required, especially in cases of high-level corruption.
-Pressure on SPAK: call to guarantee SPAK’s continued independence, adequate resources and operational capacity, “without limiting its investigative powers and without harming its work” — an indirect reference to efforts to weaken it.
“Criminal assets: stronger efforts are required to effectively trace, seize and confiscate criminal assets ,” the report states.
The European Parliament condemns the hostility towards journalists and independent media professionals, focusing on verbal attacks and anti-media rhetoric used by senior officials.
“Strong condemnation of anti-media rhetoric by senior officials: The report “strongly condemns hostility towards journalists and independent media professionals,” specifically citing verbal attacks and anti-media rhetoric by senior officials, smear campaigns, and misogynistic online harassment — much of which targets journalists reporting on the rule of law, corruption, and justice.”
-High number of lawsuits against journalists: concern is expressed about the high number of lawsuits against journalists (SLAPP); the awarding of defamation and insult has not yet been fully implemented, according to European standards.
-Transparency of media ownership: Greater transparency is required of potential conflicts of interest of media owners and the distribution of state advertising to protect editorial independence ,” the report states.