Albania's Ombudsman warns court fees may hinder access to justice

The Ombudsman of Albania, Naim Qelaj, has raised concerns regarding the impact of Administrative Directive no. 03/2025 on the unification of court fees. During a discussion organized with the Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS), Qelaj stated that the significant increase in certain judicial fees and additional payments could create disproportionate financial barriers for citizens seeking legal protection.

Qelaj emphasized that while the state holds the exclusive competence to set judicial taxes, these must be balanced and carefully analyzed to ensure they do not hinder the fundamental right to access justice. The Ombudsman's opinion was prompted by public reactions and requests from civil society organizations. The issue extends beyond mere fee amounts, addressing the responsibility of institutions to guarantee that every citizen has a real opportunity to seek legal redress.