European Association of Judges warns Albania is bypassing Constitutional Court ruling

The European Association of Judges (EAJ) has expressed deep concern regarding recent legislative developments in Albania concerning the salaries of judges, prosecutors, and judicial employees. The EAJ claims that the Albanian Parliament is attempting to bypass Decision No. 15/2026 issued by the Constitutional Court, which declared the existing salary system unconstitutional and provided specific instructions for its reform.

According to the EAJ, a new bill has been submitted to Parliament that proposes a retroactive recalculation of salaries. The association argues that this approach ignores the Constitutional Court's mandates and implements a calculation method that remains problematic. The EAJ warns that such actions threaten the rule of law, judicial independence, and the separation of powers, potentially undermining trust in justice reforms.

The EAJ has pledged its support to the Union of Judges of Albania and intends to bring this matter to the agenda of its General Assembly in Lisbon this October. The association also plans to inform international and European actors about the situation.