TIRANA, July 8 (ATA) – EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said Tuesday that Albania’s justice reform has significantly advanced the country’s EU accession prospects, delivering progress on judicial independence and accountability.
“Justice reform has provided what was expected in terms of independence and accountability,” Gonzato told a justice reform forum in Tirana, adding that it has made a “very significant contribution” to Albania’s EU path.
The EU diplomat acknowledged reforms had yielded results but urged full implementation.
“We must preserve the positive steps made so far. The glass is half full, not half empty,” he said.
Gonzato stressed that institutional cooperation remains essential. He highlighted that the High Prosecutorial Council (KLP) must assess prosecutors based on structured performance indicators such as efficiency, ethics, and managerial ability.
The EU Ambassador also called for greater transparency in judicial appointments and performance evaluations, stronger conflict-of-interest safeguards, and improved public communication to bolster trust in the system.
The ambassador also addressed judicial transparency, urging regular reporting from justice institutions, including SPAK, to the Albanian Parliament. While acknowledging the prerogative of Parliament to determine engagement levels, he warned that accountability must not come at the expense of judicial independence.
“Parliamentary oversight must not undermine the autonomy of justice institutions. They are independent by law, and that independence must be preserved,” he stated.
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