Soreca: High-level arrests and convictions must continue

Soreca: Vetting institutions have closed over 500 vetting cases in the first instance, including all priority files, out of a total of 804 magistrates subject to vetting. Let me remind you that the vetting process consists of verifying the assets, training and professional qualifications of the appraised. Overall, more than 60% of the vetting files processed so far have resulted in dismissals or resignations. These figures speak for themselves and are the best proof that this process was absolutely necessary. The extension of the mandate of the vetting bodies was necessary for the regular continuation of the vetting process, a key pillar of justice reform. This has been confirmed by the opinion of the Venice Commission on this issue.

Therefore, the EU welcomed the approval by an overwhelming majority by the Albanian Parliament, on February 10, 2022, of the constitutional amendments for the extension of the mandate of the vetting bodies. Parliament showed strong cross-party determination to move forward towards EU accession. This was a crucial moment towards the completion of the justice reform and consequently for the future of Albania in the EU. It is now important that vetting bodies continue their work with the highest professionalism and integrity to ensure a successful and rapid finalization of the process.

DW: Various actors of Albanian politics, but also the public opinion, continue to be skeptical when it comes to the results of the justice reform so far and are critical of the slow pace at which this reform is moving. Is the European Union satisfied with the work done so far, as a direct investor of this reform? / DW