TIRANA, Sept 28 /ATA/ Taulant Balla, Chairman of the EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Committee, described judicial reform as one of the clearest demonstrations of Albania’s progress towards European Union membership.
Speaking at the Inter‑Parliamentary Conference on EU enlargement and Albania’s accession, Balla said constitutional changes and the institutions established through judicial reform have enabled the justice system to investigate, prosecute and try even senior officials.
Balla said Albania’s challenge before judicial reform was not only corruption but also the absence of strong, independent institutions to fight it. He noted that the previous system lacked the capacity to act when suspicions involved individuals with political or public power.
Balla said Albania now has a justice system with the independence to investigate, prosecute and try cases even when they involve senior political or public figures. He assessed that the judiciary today has capacities long lacking, including the ability to respond to violations and to address problems within the system itself.
The head of the EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Committee, said support for independent justice institutions and specialised anti‑corruption bodies must remain unwavering, no matter the political cost or the level of power of those involved. At the same time, he underlined that judicial independence must be exercised within constitutional limits and with full respect for human rights.
Balla said the presumption of innocence, due legal process, confidentiality of investigations and human dignity must remain at the core of institutional activity. He added that the next phase of reform should focus on consolidating the system and raising standards, while ensuring compliance with constitutional and European norms for the protection of individual rights.
Balla said Albania is building a system where no one is above the law and no one is outside its protection. He added that the country aims to conclude EU accession negotiations by next year’s Christmas, a target he described as ambitious.
Balla called for the support of EU member state parliaments to ensure timely ratification of Albania’s accession treaty, urging that the issue should not be left to the bottom of parliamentary agendas.
/m.m/sm/
