The European Commission has published the screening report for Albania, one year after the opening of the EU-Albania accession negotiations and the conclusion of the first round of meetings.
The report highlights Albania’s progress towards the EU, key challenges in the country, and achievements in crucial reforms.
Additionally, the European Commission’s screening report presents recommendations for the next steps to be taken in the context of the accession negotiation process.
The report begins by acknowledging that Albania has established the constitutional foundations of a democratic state and is working towards consolidating its democratic institutions. However, it also addresses issues related to elections and campaign financing.
“The legal and institutional framework allows for a democratic electoral process. Further efforts are needed to address some legal ambiguities and discrepancies highlighted by OSCE/ODIHR, as well as other common OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations. Legislation on media during election campaigns, especially concerning disinformation and online platforms, needs further strengthening. For political party and campaign financing, the revised legislative framework foresees more transparency, but enforcement capacity needs to be consolidated,” the report states.
Regarding the findings on the judiciary, the report concludes that Albania is moderately prepared for the functioning of the judiciary.
“Albania’s legislative and institutional framework demonstrates a high level of alignment with EU legislation and European standards. However, Albania needs to further consolidate and deepen the implementation of the reformed legal and institutional framework, particularly in relation to further strengthening the independence of judges and the judicial and prosecutorial system, consolidating accountability and integrity at all levels, ensuring access to and quality of justice, as well as the efficient delivery of justice,” the report explains.
The fight against corruption is also addressed in the report, which states that Albania has a level of preparedness in combating corruption.
“Albania’s legislative and institutional framework for anti-corruption is partially aligned with EU legislation. Corruption remains widespread across most areas of public and business life, including all branches of central and local government, and institutions, and remains a serious concern. Overall, anti-corruption measures have limited impact in particularly vulnerable sectors,” the report highlights.
Furthermore, the report offers recommendations for Albania to address the complexity of its anti-corruption prevention framework, strengthen its administrative capacities, and take measures to effectively combat corruption.
Regarding public administration reform efforts, the report acknowledges that Albania is moderately prepared in its strategic framework for public administration reform. However, it suggests that Albania should develop and adopt its new strategic framework on time to ensure the continuity of reforms and to improve coordination and political leadership.
The report also covers issues related to public services, digitalization, social protection, and healthcare, suggesting further improvements and reforms in these areas.
Albania’s economy and competitiveness are addressed in the report, noting that while improvements have been made in various sectors such as energy and transport infrastructure, digitalization, and education, there are still significant gaps at the regional and European levels. The report highlights the need for further investment in infrastructure, human development, research and development, and measures to increase social protection coverage and adaptability.
Overall, the screening report provides an assessment of Albania’s progress and highlights the areas that require further attention and reform as the country moves forward in its journey towards EU accession.
