EU Commissioner McGrath meets SPAK head in Albania over judicial reforms

European Commissioner Michael McGrath visited Tirana to meet with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Justice Minister Toni Gogun, and the head of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), Klodian Braho. The discussions focused on the country’s ongoing judicial reforms, political rhetoric directed at SPAK, and continued cooperation with the European Union.

A central point of debate is the new draft of the Criminal Procedure Code, which was published by the Ministry of Justice in late September and is under public consultation. The proposed changes affect 105 articles and include granting lawyers a more active role during investigations and strengthening judicial oversight of prosecutorial actions.

The draft has also drawn criticism from various sectors. The Association of Prosecutors expressed concerns that certain new procedures could hinder or delay investigations. Additionally, journalist organizations have opposed proposed restrictions on the publication of criminal case files, which would require media outlets to seek court authorization before publishing certain documents or data.