The high-level conference “Strengthening integrity and fighting corruption: latest achievements”, organised in the framework of "Action against economic crime in Albania", implemented as part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”, was attended by international partners, public authorities and key experts in the field. Minister of Justice Etilda Gjonaj presented the findings of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) report on the fight against corruption as pertaining to Albania. According to the report, Albania has implemented in a satisfactory manner 9 out of 10 GRECO recommendations on corruption prevention in respect of MPs, judges and prosecutors.

At the event, the Executive Secretary of GRECO, Gianluca Esposito highlighted that, to a large extent, Albania has put in place the necessary measures to prevent corruption in the legislative and judiciary branches. However, more progress is needed with regard to the judiciary, while this protection framework needs to be effectively and continuously implemented in practice to make a meaningful difference.

He further confirmed that the Council of Europe will continue supporting Albania in the prevention and fight against corruption and money laundring, stressing that the European Union and Council of Europe joint Action against economic crime in Albania has already enabled important results, such as (i) the changes to the Law on Political Parties and the Criminal Code that would strengthen political funding oversight and accountability, (ii) the revision of the Albanian Law on Declaration and Audit of Assets and Financial Obligations of Elected Persons and Certain Public Officials, (iii) the legal set up of the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets, (iv) the Amendments to the anti-money laundering and the counter terrorism financing legislation, and (v) the development of a beneficial ownership registry.

The Action against economic crime in Albania is a part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”, implemented by the Council of Europe.