The European Commission has raised concerns regarding the decision of the Albanian Parliament to reject SPAK's request to lift the parliamentary immunity of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, highlighting problems in respecting the principle of checks and balances of powers, as well as equality before the law.
In the report on the rule of law, the Commission focuses on the decision taken in March 2026, when the parliamentary majority rejected the Special Prosecution's request to authorize the arrest of Balluk, who was taken into custody on suspicion of violating equality in tenders.
According to the European Commission, the rejection of the request has raised concerns about how the mechanisms of checks and balances between institutions function, as well as the implementation of the principle of equality before the law.
The report also highlights the negative reactions of representatives of the executive and legislative branches to the decisions of justice institutions, including public attacks against SPAK and the judiciary.
Another concern is related to the legal initiatives proposed by majority MPs to amend the Criminal Procedure Code, with the aim of expanding the category of officials who cannot be suspended from duty during criminal proceedings.
The Commission warns that such changes could hinder the effectiveness of criminal investigations, including those into high-level corruption, while the timing of their introduction could create a perception of impunity.
The report also notes that efforts by public officials and politicians to exert undue influence over justice institutions continued during the reporting period.
The decision on the Balluku case was made on March 12, 2026, when 82 MPs voted against SPAK's request, while 47 voted in its favor.
Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the majority's decision, arguing that the Assembly had acted in accordance with its constitutional powers and that the investigation into Balluk could continue without hindrance.
On the other hand, the decision caused reactions from representatives of the European Union and embassies of partner countries, which emphasized the importance of guaranteeing the independence of justice and the conditions for SPAK to exercise its functions.
The European Commission's concerns come at a time when Albania aims to accelerate the integration process into the European Union, while the fight against high-level corruption and the independent functioning of justice institutions remain among the main criteria of this process.
