TIRANA, June 17 – The Ministry of Justice submitted a draft law to amend the Penal Code of the Republic of Albania. The initiative supports the European Union accession process, fulfilling obligations under Chapter 32 on Financial Control. It applies Directive (European Union) 2017/1371 on the protection of European Union financial interests through criminal law. It also strengthens measures against organized crime and corruption.

Meanwhile, the explanatory report presents two core objectives. It highlights stronger legal certainty in the justice system. It aligns national standards on fundamental rights with European Union standards. The document links the reform to increased trust in criminal justice. It refers to cases involving organized crime, corruption, money laundering, and transnational crime.

Later, the draft law expands legal tools against organized crime structures, including terrorist organizations and armed groups. The proposal updates the framework for justice collaborators and aims to improve the detection of criminal networks. Authorities focus on identifying collaborators, hierarchical structures, assets, and criminal activity.

At the same time, the initiative aligns national legislation with Directive 2011/36/EU on human trafficking prevention. Lawmakers revise Article 110/a of the Penal Code and define the methods of committing the offense with greater precision. These include threat, violence, coercion, fraud, deception, abuse of duty, and exploitation of vulnerability.

In addition, the draft introduces new criminal offenses linked to European Union financial interests. The text covers misuse of funds, cross-border value-added tax fraud, and corruption involving European Union officials. It sets prison sentences from several months to 12 years, while penalties increase when damage or benefit exceeds 10,000,000 ALL.

Subsequently, the official document outlines expected results of the reform. Projections include lower levels of fraud and corruption. Expectations also point to higher public and investor confidence. The reform further links improved efficiency in the justice system with progress in the European Union accession process.

The law enters into force 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette. Specific provisions on European Union institutions take effect on the date of Albania’s full accession to the European Union. The draft law reports no financial impact on the state budget.

/a.p./