THE JUSTICE REFORM AS THE FOUNDATION OF ALBANIA’S EUROPEAN INTEGRATION: FROM CONSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION TO INSTITUTIONAL CONSOLIDATION
Entoni MISKA, Elta MILORI
Abstract
The process of Albania’s European integration has been and remains one of the country’s main strategic objectives since the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement. Among the fundamental conditions set by the European Union (EU) for candidate countries are the strengthening of the rule of law and the guarantee of an independent judiciary. The Justice Reform, undertaken in 2016, represents the deepest intervention in the constitutional history of Albania, aiming to build new institutions, restore public trust, and fulfil the criteria of the Copenhagen Charter. This paper analyzes the constitutional and legal basis of the reform, the functioning of the new justice institutions, and their impact on aligning Albania with the European standards. It highlights how the reform has reshaped the judiciary’s structure, enhanced accountability, and created mechanisms for transparency and professionalism. Despite significant achievements, the reform continues to face challenges related to institutional efficiency, political influence, and the full implementation of integrity mechanisms. Ultimately, the Justice Reform is not only an EU requirement but also an internal necessity for consolidating democracy and ensuring a functional, independent, and accountable justice system. For the Republic of Albania, this process remains inseparable from the broader effort to strengthen democratic governance, uphold the separation of powers, and advance towards full EU membership.
Pages: 88 - 95