The latest European Commission report on Albania’s progress toward EU integration presents a detailed 102-page assessment covering judicial reforms, anti-corruption efforts, the May 11 elections, and various governance sectors. The report acknowledges Albania’s advancements, especially in the fight against high-level corruption, but also underlines the persistent challenges that continue to undermine institutional integrity and public trust.
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| The Albanian flag and the EU flag in the background with flags of several EU countries |
According to the report, “Albania is at a moderate level of preparation and has shown progress. The Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2030 has been adopted.” One of the most significant highlights is the commendation of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) for its continued consolidation and effectiveness in prosecuting corruption at the highest levels.
SPAK’s Role in Strengthening Accountability
The establishment of SPAK marked a turning point in Albania’s judicial reform process, aiming to ensure that even high-ranking officials are held accountable. Over the past year, SPAK has intensified investigations and prosecutions involving politicians, senior public officials, and individuals connected to major corruption scandals. This has contributed to a growing perception that justice institutions are becoming more independent and effective.
EU officials have emphasized that SPAK’s work has led to a more “consistent track record of high-level corruption convictions,” a critical benchmark for Albania’s EU accession process. The consolidation of these results, according to the report, reflects a maturing institutional framework capable of challenging entrenched impunity.
Persistent Corruption in Key Sectors
Despite these achievements, the report paints a nuanced picture. Corruption, it warns, remains widespread across sensitive sectors, affecting both the public and private domains. Procurement, healthcare, education, and construction continue to experience irregularities and misuse of funds, signaling that the problem extends beyond the political elite.
The European Commission stresses that the “institutional framework for the prevention of corruption continues to have limited impact.” The report also points to weak coordination between oversight bodies and law enforcement agencies, which hampers the enforcement of anti-corruption measures.
Transparency and Asset Declaration Gaps
One of the key areas requiring urgent improvement, according to the report, is the monitoring of public officials’ asset declarations. The mechanisms designed to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest are described as insufficiently effective. Limited verification of declared assets and weak follow-up actions contribute to a lack of deterrence, allowing illicit enrichment to go largely unchecked.
Strengthening the transparency system remains essential not only for maintaining public confidence but also for aligning Albania’s institutions with EU standards. Without tangible progress in this area, the overall effectiveness of anti-corruption reforms may be undermined.
The Road Ahead: From Strategy to Implementation
The adoption of the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2030 is a positive step, setting out clear priorities and measurable goals for the next six years. However, the report cautions that strategy alone is not enough — implementation, accountability, and political will are critical for achieving lasting change.
The European Commission urges Albanian authorities to intensify efforts in strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, improving the capacity of audit and oversight institutions, and ensuring that reforms translate into visible results for citizens.
Albania’s progress in the fight against corruption, particularly through SPAK’s expanding role, represents an important achievement acknowledged by the European Union. Yet, the persistence of systemic corruption, weak transparency mechanisms, and limited enforcement capacity continue to pose serious challenges.
As Albania advances toward EU membership, the coming years will test whether the country can transform its institutional progress into a sustainable culture of integrity and accountability — one where justice truly applies equally to all.