Representatives of the association raised concerns over how the reform process was being conducted and said any changes to the territorial map should be based on broad consultation, clear evidence and consensus, the PD said.

Association President Fisnik Qosja said the position was institutional rather than political. “We are defending the interests of citizens, not politics,” he said, adding that full consultation would give the reform greater legitimacy, credibility and durability.

Association Vice-President Albert Malaj cited three main concerns: the parliamentary process being concluded without all planned stages being completed, a lack of concrete consultation on a proposal to merge 15 municipalities, and insufficient consensus at the local level.

Malaj said the association was not asking international partners to support a particular territorial map, but to help ensure the process complied with European standards on consultation, participation and local democracy.

The association asked the Council of Europe’s Congress to review the relevant documentation, consultations and positions of municipalities and communities and assess whether the process complied with European standards on local autonomy, the PD said.

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During the meeting, it was emphasized that following its transition to post-monitoring phase in April 2024, Albania has sustained progress in addressing Council of Europe recommendations, particularly in judicial reform, anti-corruption efforts, minority rights, media freedom and strengthening institutional independence.

Peleshi also highlighted the work of the special committees on electoral and territorial reform, which are vital for strengthening democratic institutions.

In this context, the interlocutors appreciated vital the cooperation with the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly, indispensable partners in Albania’s EU integration process. /e.xh/a.f/r.e/p.s./

At the centre of the initiative is the project “Strengthening the Resilience of the Public Sector against Corruption” (RAC), which will provide targeted support to Albania’s Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK).

The project focuses on boosting institutional capacity, improving asset management practices and promoting the social reuse of confiscated assets for community benefit.

Through technical assistance, international expertise and the exchange of European best practices, the RAC project seeks to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in tackling corruption and organised crime, while strengthening public trust and transparency in the management of confiscated assets.

In parallel, the project “Combating Money Laundering in Albania” (CMLA) will support Albanian authorities in strengthening the framework to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT), using a risk-based approach and practical guidance for public authorities and reporting entities.

Speaking at the launch event on Monday, Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, said the focus of reforms should shift from adopting legislation to ensuring effective implementation and delivering tangible results for citizens.

Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber said an effective anti-money laundering system was essential to safeguarding the economy, ensuring fair competition and supporting Albania’s European integration path.

AAPSK head Risena Xhaja welcomed the projects, saying they would strengthen the agency’s professional and technical capacities and consolidate its approach to the social reuse of confiscated assets.

The event brought together senior representatives of Albanian institutions, international partners, civil society and the media, serving as a platform for dialogue on anti-corruption reforms, asset management and evolving AML/CFT standards and their national impact.

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In a video message to citizens in the social media, Berisha stated that the opposition persists in holding the government accountable for poor governance.

“The opposition is internationalizing its struggle. And it is flagging its concerns with European institutions to gain international visibility,” Berisha said. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

Re congratulated Papajorgji on taking office and reconfirmed support of the Council of Europe for continuation and implementation of the projects undertaken within the framework of the justice reform system in Albania. Currently, the Council of Europe Office has undertaken an initiative to support the Constitutional Court in establishing a modern case management system and the digitalization of its archive. This project is financed by the SIDA Agency on behalf of the Swedish Embassy in Tirana.

For her part, Papajorgji expressed her appreciation for the cooperation so far of the Constitutional Court with the Council of Europe and highlighted the significance of more cooperation, underlining that the support of the Council of Europe has been and remains a valuable factor in building institutional capacities.

Papajorgji also expressed her belief that the close partnership with the Council of Europe will contribute to the further consolidation of the rule of law and the approximation of constitutional jurisprudence with the best European standards. /m.q/a.f/p.s./

In a speech at the high-level meeting “2030 Albania in the EU – The Path of Reforms,”  the CoE Deputy Secretary General noted that Albania’s EU membership won’t happen by chance, but because of hard work and brave choices.

“Nowhere is this more evident than in Albania’s reforms in anti-corruption, good governance, and the rule of law,” he stated.

He said that 2025 marks 30 years since Albania joined the Council of Europe and CoE has supported reform, monitored progress, and helped build strong, independent institutions.

Berge praised Albania’s progress in reforming its justice system.

“From judicial reform to special anti-corruption institutions, Albania is showing the courage to take on the hard issues. The Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) is doing its job – with investigations, prosecutions, and convictions, even in high-level cases involving high-profile politicians and officials,” the CoE Deputy Secretary General said.

He also praised the vetting process for judges and prosecutors as a success story.

“Despite causing some short-term capacity challenges, it has helped reinforce integrity and accountability within the judiciary,” Berge added.

He also praised that an Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on governance and anti-corruption reform as an important initiative, saying its impact will depend on broader participation and respect for democratic checks and balances.

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Hasani stressed that this is a particularly symbolic visit as the year 2025 also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Albania’s membership in the Council of Europe.

During the meeting, there was appreciated Albania’s progress in strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights, as well as its active role in international organizations and its support for Ukraine.

Hasani also said to Berset that Kosovo’s well-deserved membership in the Council of Europe should take place as soon as possible.

“Albania remains steadfast in its support for Kosovo membership in the Council of Europe, seeing it as a key point for regional stability and promotion of democracy and human rights,” Hasani stressed in a post in the social media. /p.s./

The government head underlined that Albania is no longer subject to monitoring from the Council of Europe, but it now stands on the footing with other countries aspiring to join the European Union.

“This year – and this is a very significant fact – Albania was lifted from the list of countries subject to complete monitoring from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. We are no longer under such supervision, but we are on par with all other countries wishing and which will join the European Union within this decade,” PM Rama said.

The Premier underlined that Albania has been promoter of regional cooperation and has been engaged in an unprecedented dialogue between the European Commission, the member states and the candidate countries, from which the new growth plan as the EU in support of the Western Balkan countries has emerged.

The government head voiced confidence that the country will absorb around one billion euros from EU funds until 2027.

“I can proudly say that it has been a tough process, which has demanded relentless perseverance and continued document exchange with the European Commission President’s office to include a new element in the traditional European integration process, and this element has now been introduced in the accession negotiations terms as gradual membership. A financial tool has been made available under the new  growth plan for Albania and other countries in the region. We will absorb around one billion euros in projects until 2027,” he said.

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Council of Europe office in Tirana announced Friday that the Central Personnel Records (HRMIS) and Cooperation Platform were presented during the event.

“The two systems are designed to significantly improve efficiency and transparency in human resources management processes, ease access to information and records of public administration employees and enhance cooperation among relevant institutions,” CoE office said in its post.

“Under the project Sustaining Public Administration Reform at Local Level in Albania, the Council of Europe will assist human resources departments at every municipality across the country through training sessions ad materials, practical instructions and direct assistance in the workplace.

In addition to increasing efficiency and transparency, the new system will allow for creation of a complete register of public administration, providing valuable data for well-informed policies and strategic decisions, contributing to building a more professional, unified and modern administration in Albania,” CoE concluded.

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Addressing a Council of Europe’s Monitoring Committee meeting in Albanian Parliament, Dumani focused on SPAK’s achievements in fighting corruption and organized crime through international cooperation, vowing to step up the Agency’s efforts to tackle these issues.

“SPAK has been on the forefront of the fight against corruption and organized crime, pursuing a transparency-based approach to achieve concrete results through international cooperation,” Dumani said.

Dumani underlined that SPAK has targeted government high-ranking officials, lawmakers, justice and rule of law officials.

He also stated the Agency has also dismantled violent crime and drug trafficking networks through assistance of foreign law enforcement, mainly from the European Union member states.

Dumani called for extension of special prosecutors’ mandate to continue the fight against corruption and organized crime in the country.

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