In an exclusive response to Euronews, the European Union Delegation in Tirana says it is closely following the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code submitted on February 16 by the Albanian government. According to the EU, any legal initiative related to the judiciary must be in line with European standards and the European Union acquis, respecting the independence, accountability and efficiency of the judicial system.
"The EU is closely monitoring the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code submitted on 16 February. The EU monitors and assesses any legislative initiative related to the judiciary in all candidate countries, including Albania. These initiatives are expected to be in line with the EU acquis and European standards," the reaction states.
The European Union Delegation in Tirana stresses the importance of the Albanian Parliament addressing without delay the requests for lifting the immunity of its members, as part of the effective fight against corruption and the country's progress towards membership in the European Union.
"It is the responsibility of the Albanian Parliament to deal without delay with requests for lifting the immunity of its members. The effective fight against corruption is of vital importance for Albania's progress towards EU membership," the EU stressed in its response to Euronews.
The EU also warns that rhetoric that fosters public distrust in the judiciary, independence, impartiality and integrity of the judicial and prosecutorial systems is counterproductive.
