TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Following positive European Commission assessment, Gogu says Albania will align anti-corruption laws with EU standards and sets out three regional priorities
Justice Minister Toni Gogu attended the session entitled “The Judicial Dimension of the Fight Against Corruption” at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs, held in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November.
The annual forum was chaired this year by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, with the participation of the European Commission.
The Minister noted that the European Commission had recognised Albania’s good progress in the fight against corruption this week. According to the Commission, the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) continues to demonstrate independence and deliver results in combating high-level corruption.
However, Gogu stressed that further work remains to be done. He said preventive measures need to become more effective and financial investigations should begin at an earlier stage. Criminal assets that have been seized should ultimately be confiscated where permitted by law and supported by evidence.
Gogu said the executive is responsible for strengthening the legal framework, providing resources and improving the administration’s ability to report suspected corruption, while respecting the independence of magistrates. He stressed that governments must support institutions without exerting pressure, as independence is essential for credible accountability and preventing the wider social and economic costs of corruption.
The 2024–2030 Anti-Corruption Strategy addresses risks in public procurement, healthcare and taxation, alongside reforms concerning whistleblowers, conflicts of interest, lobbying and political financing. Gogu said Albania welcomes EU Directive 2026/1021 and, as a candidate country, will align its criminal legislation and broader anti-corruption framework with its provisions.
Regarding regional cooperation, Gogu outlined three priorities: assessing the practical implementation of anti-corruption measures through comparable indicators, including the time required for mutual legal assistance and the transition from asset freezing to confiscation; strengthening operational cooperation by reducing delays while fully respecting procedural safeguards; and investing in human resources, particularly judges, prosecutors, financial investigators and asset administrators.
He stressed that all three priorities are anchored in the independence of investigators and judicial authorities.
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