Mandated by the U.S. Congress, the September 19 report assessed 140 governments and entities, finding that 71 satisfied core transparency standards while 69 did not, though 26 of those made significant progress.

The State Department said Albania ensured public access to reliable budget documents, contracts, and licenses, meeting publication and content criteria for fiscal openness.

The report underscored that fiscal transparency is vital for effective public financial management, market confidence, and government accountability to citizens.

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The announcement was made Monday at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., led by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who announced ten recipients of the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Champion award recipients.

Highlighting Dumani’s achievements, Blinken praised his commitment to holding senior politicians and major criminal groups accountable, describing him as a leader who has “brought integrity and trust” to Albania’s justice system.

“Today, we honor ten remarkable individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in the fight against corruption – a threat which poses profound and far-reaching challenges to all of our societies,” U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said.

“Albania’s chief special prosecutor, Altin Dumani, leads a new national agency – mandated during the constitutional reforms of 2016 – that prosecutes senior officials and organized crime leaders.  Today, it is the most trusted public institution in Albania,” Blinken said.

In a statement on the social media, the United States Embassy in Tirana extended its congratulations to Special Prosecutor Dumani on receiving the 2024 Anti-Corruption Champions Award in recognition of outstanding efforts in combating corruption.

“This award honors your unwavering resolve, courage, and integrity in the pursuit of justice on behalf of the Albanian people. Your work inspires all those who believe in the power of truth and accountability. The U.S. Embassy will continue to work with you, with SPAK, and with all justice institutions to make equality before the law a reality for all citizens of Albania,” the U.S. Embassy said.

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