European Union criticizes new judicial regulation in Albania

The European Union has responded to the ‘Bani regulation,’ a new rule that restricts judicial transparency and limits the work of journalists. The regulation has drawn criticism for potentially violating constitutional protections against prior censorship in the media.

Following reactions from the OSCE and various press freedom organizations, the EU stated it is consulting on how to balance court security with judicial transparency and journalistic duties. The controversy centers on Erion Bani, who is identified as both the drafter of the regulation and the author of private comments that critics argue recommend illegal conduct within the court system.

This development marks a rare instance where the EU and OSCE have directly engaged with an institution that has moved beyond the scope of the justice reform process in Albania.