EU Commission criticizes Albanian parliament's refusal to arrest former deputy PM Belinda Balluku

A draft report from the European Commission on the rule of law in Albania, obtained by Report TV, criticises the parliament's decision to reject a request from the Special Prosecution Office to arrest former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku. The report says the refusal raises concerns about equality before the law and the balance of powers, noting that the parliament voted against the arrest while the prosecutor had already ordered her suspension.

The Commission argues that the continued suspension, despite no constitutional court ruling, and proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Code could undermine high‑level corruption investigations. It calls for stronger protection of judicial independence and public confidence in constitutional institutions.