MCN – Integration, Deliu: It cannot be successful without efficient justice system and consolidated institutions,18 March 2026

Invited on MCN studio, the expert of integration, Ms. Nirvana Deliu, explained the importance of the IBAR (Interim Benchmark Assessment Report), that is related to the assessment  of Chapter 23 and 24 that include the judiciary, fundamental rights, fight against corruption, fight against organized crime, migration, asylum, in which there have been no closing benchmarks unlike the other 31 Chapters. For this reason, the drafting of the IBAR has been initiated, in order to provide an assessment from the EU regarding the fulfillment of the interim benchmarks. This means that we must complete the implementation of the criteria set for Chapters 23 and 24, in order to proceed to the next phase-their provisional closure.

Thus, after Albania declares that it has fulfilled the criteria and conditions set by the EU, the European Commission then prepares the IBAR report, in which it expresses its conviction that the benchmarks have been met. This report is subsequently submitted to the Council of the European Union. The Council itself has structures such as COELA (a body composed of technical representatives from the member states), which must give their approval to the assessment. Our country is currently at this stage, as we are awaiting confirmation from this structure.

Subsequently, Ms. Deliu analysed the negative impact that critical and offensive rhetoric has had on the institutions of justice, recalling that the justice reform has been supported and funded by the EU  and the USA , and therefore forms part of the fundamental criteria that determine the future of democracy and the negotiation process.

During the interview, Ms. Deliu explained that during the meeting held with COELA, there was no official disclosure of its conclusions; however, it was understood that member states have reservations regarding the fulfillment of the criteria, as issues related to the judiciary and human rights remain a challenge. Chapter 24 and the sub-area of the fight against organized crime also remain a challenge, despite the fact that the European Commission’s annual report has noted progress through the activity of SPAK. Nevertheless, it remains challenging, as does trafficking in narcotic substances and human beings. At the same time, the increase in the number of asylum seekers and foreign nationals raises questions about the reception capacities of our country.

MCN – Integration, Deliu: It cannot be successful without efficient justice system and consolidated institutions,18 March 2026