Justice Minister Toni Gogu has pledged to align Albania’s anti-corruption legislation with European Union standards. He also proposed three priorities for stronger regional cooperation at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November.

Speaking at a session on the judicial dimension of the fight against corruption, Gogu cited the European Commission’s latest report, which noted good progress in Albania’s anti-corruption efforts. He said the report recognised the continued independence of the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) and its results in tackling high-level corruption.

However, he stressed the need for stronger preventive measures and earlier financial investigations. He also called for criminal assets to be confiscated after seizure, where the law and evidence permit.

Gogu said the government must strengthen the legal framework, provide resources and improve the administration’s capacity to report suspected corruption, without interfering in independent investigations. Meanwhile, the 2024–2030 Anti-Corruption Strategy addresses risks in public procurement, healthcare and taxation. Reforms also cover whistleblower protection, conflicts of interest, lobbying and political financing.

Albania welcomes European Union Directive 2026/1021 and will align its criminal and wider legal frameworks with it.

For regional cooperation, Gogu proposed comparable implementation indicators, faster operational cooperation with full procedural safeguards, and investment in judges, prosecutors, financial investigators and asset administrators. He concluded that all three priorities depend on safeguarding the independence of those who investigate and adjudicate cases.

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