EUROPEAN UNION – ALBANIA
16^th SA Sub-committee Meeting 

JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND SECURITY

11 - 12 February 2025

The 16th Subcommittee meeting on Justice, Freedom and Security between the EU and Albania took place on 11 and 12 February 2025. The European Commission and the Albanian authorities discussed the most recent developments following the EU Common Position of October 2024, marking the opening of EU accession negotiations with Albania on Cluster 1 Fundamentals. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Sigrid Brettel, Head of Unit for Albania and North Macedonia at the Directorate General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood of the European Commission and Mr. Besfort Lamallari, Deputy Minister of Interior of Albania and Mr. Tedi Dobi, Deputy Minister of Justice of Albania. Minister of Interior Ervin Hoxha, General Prosecutor, Olsian Çela, the Head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office, Altin Dumani and Ms. Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission delivered opening remarks. 

The European Commission welcomed the continued results of the specialised bodies for the fight against corruption and organised crime (SPAK). The role of SPAK and its independence in investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating complex corruption and organised crime cases has been a cornerstone of the 2016 justice reform whose continued consolidation the EU supports and promotes as an integral part of Albania’s accession negotiations. SPAK has contributed to the overall efforts by Albania to deliver a credible track record against serious and organised crime and corruption, including at high level. The importance of further progress in the alignment with the EU acquis in this area and a fully operational Asset Recovery Office established within the Albanian State Police was also stressed. The European Commission acknowledged Albania’s efforts and called for strengthened efficiency of the corruption prevention framework notably in vulnerable sectors and increased effectiveness of verification of asset declarations. The European Commission also recalled the need to address the outstanding GRECO recommendations.

In relation to progress in the justice reform implementation, the Commission welcomed the successful completion of the temporary re-evaluation process of judges and prosecutors (vetting) in first instance. The Commission recalled the need for continued consolidation of the independence, accountability, integrity and quality of the judiciary, as well as efforts to increase efficiency at all levels. The Commission also recalled the need to continue monitoring attempts to exert undue influence on the judiciary.

On cooperation in the field of drugs, the Commission took note of the recent establishment of a national Early Warning System and encouraged its full operationalization. The Commission also encouraged the establishment of a functioning and sufficiently resourced National Drugs Observatory as soon as possible. Albania was invited to ensure strong enforcement of infringements against the legal cultivation of cannabis. 

On asylum, visa, migration and border management the Commission welcomed Albania’s good progress in the implementation of the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans. Efforts remain necessary to further align Albania’s visa policy with that of the EU and pursue efforts to further decrease unfounded asylum applications by Albanian nationals in EU Member States. Albania was invited to establish dedicated reception and hosting facilities for unaccompanied minors and effective inclusion of the latter in the national child protection system. 

Concerning fundamental rights, the European Commission welcomed progress in the alignment with the EU acquis in the area of data protection and progress in adoption of implementing legislation on the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Implementation remains key. The need for progress in the area of freedom of expression, equality and non-discrimination, right to property and children’s rights was further emphasised.