TIRANA, Feb 13 /ATA/ – Albania has adopted a new law permanently barring dismissed judges and prosecutors from holding senior positions in the justice system, in a move aimed at strengthening integrity safeguards following the country’s sweeping judicial reform.
Law No. 10/2026, published in the Official Gazette and signed into law by the President, will enter into force on Feb. 28, 2026. It introduces lifetime bans on former magistrates who were dismissed or resigned to avoid the vetting process from seeking appointment to key justice institutions.
Under the legislation, those individuals are explicitly prohibited from running for seats on the High Judicial Council and High Prosecutorial Council, as well as from being employed as lecturers, trainers or experts at the School of Magistrates.
For new candidates drawn from the ranks of lawyers, academia and civil society, the law stipulates a rigorous “mini-vetting” process, including checks on assets, possible links to organised crime and enhanced scrutiny by the People’s Advocate and competent authorities such as Special Anticorruption and Anticrime Prosecution Structure (SPAK), the National Bureau of Investigation, tax authorities and customs.
The amendments also clarify definitions related to organised crime and assets, and strengthen the role of the High Justice Inspector, while tightening standards for legal advisers and assistants in courts and prosecution offices.
The law aims to safeguard the integrity of Albania’s justice system and prevent individuals with integrity concerns from returning to key state institutions.
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