European Commission recommends accession negotiations for Albania. Albania has continued to make good progress and demonstrated its continuous determination to advance on the EU agenda. This was one of the main findings included in the 2019 European Commission Progress Report on Albania. The Report highlights that Albania has delivered tangible results, notably on the conditions set in the Council Conclusions of June 2018 for the opening of accession negotiations, in a polarised political climate.

Regarding the country`s judicial system, the implementation of justice reforms have continued consistently, says the report laying the foundations for substantially strengthening the sector and consolidating independence, impartiality, professionalism, and accountability. Concrete results have been achieved in the re-evaluation of all judges and prosecutors. The Commission also notes that the institutional restructuring of the judiciary has continued as well. New bodies for the independent self-governance of the judiciary were established, triggering the subsequent formation of specialised judicial and investigative institutions to counter organised crime and corruption. The Commission also highlights the determined efforts in establishing a solid track record of proactive investigations, prosecutions and convictions in the fight against corruption and organised crime.