The debate on the enlargement of the European Union is returning to the fore, but not with the naivety of the early 2000s, but with clear terms and stricter conditions. In Brussels, the keyword is no longer “speed”, but “credibility”. And at the center of this new phase is Albania.
European Council President Antonio Costa made it clear at a recent summit with Western Balkan leaders that accession remains a strategic goal of the Union. He stressed, however, that this is not a race. Whoever moves fastest with reforms will pave the way, without meaning that the others will automatically follow.
The president of the republic of cyprus, nikos christodoulides, Also Moved Along The same line, pointing Out that the eU must maintain an open perspective towards candidate countries, subject to full compliance with european values.
Albania As a "good example" – with asterisks
In the corridors of the European institutions, Albania and Montenegro are considered the most advanced cases in the Western Balkans. The progress in opening negotiating chapters is recognized. The European Commission, in its Rule of Law 2025 report, recorded steps forward in the reform of the judiciary and in the process of controlling judges and prosecutors.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke of "impressive progress", while Costa praised Tirana for opening all negotiating clusters within a short period of time.
Behind the praise, however, the debate is becoming more demanding. The European Parliament, through its Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), sent a delegation to Podgorica and Tirana to closely examine the implementation of the reforms. It was led by German MEP David McAllister, who stressed that the core of the assessment remains the rule of law.
According to him, the independence of the judiciary and the clear separation of powers are non-negotiable. He made particular reference to the extensive use of pretrial detention, noting that it should be applied only exceptionally and under strict judicial control.
The numbers that cause concern
The issue of pre-trial detention has become a critical evaluation indicator. In Albania, more than half of prisoners are held in pre-trial detention, a rate that significantly exceeds the European Union average. The duration of pre-trial detention is also longer than is common in member states.
International organizations warn that the widespread use of the measure burdens the already strained prison system and raises issues of respect for fundamental rights.
The Veliaj case as a test
The debate has taken on even greater dimensions with the arrest of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj. The three-time mayor was arrested in February 2025 on charges of corruption and money laundering, which he denies.
His detention, which lasted months, was presented by his supporters as excessive and politically charged. The country's Constitutional Court later rejected attempts to remove him from office., maintaining his command.
The case has become a point of reference for those who question whether institutional changes have been accompanied by sufficient guarantees of fair trial.
The role of SPAK and the reactions
Central to the reform of the judiciary is the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), which was created as an independent mechanism for prosecuting high-ranking officials. In Brussels, it is considered a key pillar of institutional reconstruction.
However, critics argue that independence must be combined with strict adherence to due process. A report by a US law firm argued that in the Veliyai case, the process escalated before specific charges were formally formulated, raising questions about ensuring the rights of the defense.
The issue also took on a regional dimension, when dozens of mayors from the B40 network warned that the prolonged pretrial detention of elected officials poses risks to local democracy.
At the same time, the Venice Commission has pointed out that the use of temporary detention against elected officials must be done with particular caution, so as not to undermine the popular mandate without a final judgment.
Divided voices in Europe
Opinions differ in the European Parliament. Lithuanian MEP Petras Auštrevičius believes that concerns about pre-trial detention demonstrate that reforms must deliver tangible results for citizens and not just change laws on paper.
The Dane Anders Vistisen appears more cautious, warning that in some candidate countries pre-trial detention can act as an indirect means of pressure. In contrast, the Irishman Barry Andrews states that Albania's place is in the EU, provided it fully meets the conditions.
Austrian Andreas Schieder points out that integration by 2030 requires not only judicial reform, but also economic diversification and boosting employment.
On the part of organizations and former officials, additional reservations are expressed. Former Vice-President of the European Parliament Edward McMillan-Scott speaks of a mixed picture in human rights, while Denis MacShane reminds that no country can join unless it fully complies with the conventions of the Council of Europe and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.
Geopolitics or principles?
As the war in Ukraine and instability in the wider region reshape european priorities, some analysts believe that enlargement is once again taking on a Geopolitical character. others, however, warn that a forced accession could undermine the union's own credibility as A community of values.
The idea of a gradual accession with limited rights that will be gradually expanded has been put on the table as a possible compromise.
What is certain is that Albania is no longer judged solely by its rhetoric of European orientation. The real test is whether its institutions can guarantee a balance of powers, respect for rights, and effective administration of justice.
The political will for enlargement exists. The question is whether the legal and democratic maturity will keep up with the timetable.
