Albania has made significant progress in strengthening integrity and combating corruption, addressing over 75% of GRECO’s recommendations for central government and law enforcement institutions. GRECO (Group of States against Corruption) operates under the Council of Europe (CoE).

The Fifth Evaluation Round report, approved in Strasbourg on March 19, 2025, assessed Albania’s efforts in “Preventing Corruption and Promoting Integrity in Central Government and Law Enforcement Institutions.” GRECO President David Meyer deemed Albania’s performance excellent.

Of the 24 recommendations, 18 have been fully implemented, five partially addressed, and one remains pending. The findings were discussed at an event attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni, Minister of Interior Ervin Hoxha, and Gianluca Esposito, Director General for Human Rights and Rule of Law at the CoE, alongside international partners and civil society representatives.

Minister Pirdeni emphasized that this assessment is concrete evidence of Albania’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity. She highlighted that even countries with stronger institutional frameworks struggle with GRECO’s recommendations, yet Albania has demonstrated its dedication to reform.

Gianluca Esposito praised Albania’s progress, emphasizing that effective corruption prevention is essential for any anti-corruption strategy.

Key reforms include the expansion of Integrity Plans from a 2020 pilot to 11 ministries and six ministers of state, a fully operational asset declaration system, and enhanced oversight by the High Inspectorate for the Declaration and Audit of Assets. The adoption of the new State Police Law in July 2024 also marked a major step in fulfilling GRECO’s recommendations.

The report commends Albania for maintaining leadership stability in the State Police, implementing an open and competitive recruitment process for senior positions, and ensuring integrity checks during promotions. The country has also successfully implemented whistleblower protections, with 8,780 officers trained, and appointed 91 integrity advisors nationwide. Post-employment restrictions for police officers and improved regulations on extra paid services have been enforced.

Additionally, a public registry for donations, gifts, and sponsorships within the State Police has been established to enhance transparency and accountability.

Having successfully completed this evaluation round, Albania is no longer required to report to GRECO but may provide voluntary updates. The implementation of these recommendations marks a key milestone in Albania’s EU integration process.

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