Albania-EU Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security: Key to Advancing EU Acquis Alignment

The 16th session of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, and Security between the EU and Albania took place in Tirana.

During this meeting, the European Commission and Albanian officials reviewed the latest updates following the EU’s unified position from October 2024, which initiated the EU membership negotiations with Albania concerning 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 at the European Commission, along with Besfort Lamallari, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Albania, and Tedi Dobi, Deputy Minister of Justice of Albania.

Opening remarks were presented 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 commended the ongoing achievements of specialized agencies working to combat corruption and organized crime (SPAK).

Emphasis was placed on the necessity for continued progress in aligning with the EU acquis, alongside the establishment of a fully functional Asset Recovery Office within the Albanian State Police.

The Commission acknowledged Albania’s advancements and urged the strengthening of its anti-corruption prevention framework, especially in at-risk sectors, while enhancing the effectiveness of asset declaration checks. Additionally, the European Commission reiterated the importance of addressing the pending recommendations from GRECO.

On the topic of judicial reform, the Commission praised the successful completion of the temporary reassessment process for first-instance judges and prosecutors (vetting). They stressed the importance of continuing to bolster the independence, accountability, integrity, and quality of the judiciary, as well as improving efficiency across all levels.

With regard to drug enforcement cooperation, the Commission acknowledged the recent creation of a national Early Warning System and encouraged its full implementation.

In the areas of asylum, visas, migration, and border management, the Commission recognized Albania’s significant progress in executing the EU Action Plan for the Western Balkans.

Finally, concerning fundamental rights, the European Commission welcomed the advancements made in aligning with the EU’s data protection standards and the progress toward adopting legislation for the rights of minority groups. (14 February)