The Balluku Case in the European Commission Report: SPAK Sought Arrest Over Tender Corruption, Parliament Did Not Lift Immunity; Alarm Raised Over Impunity

The European Commission has included developments surrounding former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku in its report on the rule of law in Albania. She is being investigated by SPAK over matters related to corruption and tender procedures.

The document focuses on Parliament’s decision not to accept the Special Prosecution Office’s request to lift Balluku’s immunity as an MP. According to the European Commission, this stance raises concerns over equality before the law, as well as the functioning of checks and balances between the branches of government.

The report stresses that Parliament’s refusal to lift an MP’s immunity has raised questions regarding respect for the principle of equality before the law and the balance between the branches of government.

According to the EU, in March 2026, Parliament rejected SPAK’s request to lift the immunity of an MP accused of violating the principle of equality in tender procedures.

The European Commission considers that this refusal has heightened concerns over the separation of powers and the risk that senior officials may not be treated equally before the law.

Another issue highlighted in the document is an initiative by a group of MPs from the governing majority to amend the Criminal Procedure Code. The proposal aimed to expand the category of officials who cannot be suspended from office as a precautionary measure during judicial proceedings.

Brussels warns that such changes could weaken the effectiveness of criminal investigations, including those into corruption at senior levels of the administration. The timing of these proposals, according to the report, could also create a perception of impunity.

On the other hand, the EU report acknowledges Albania’s progress in justice reform and praises SPAK’s work against high-level corruption. However, political interference, the protection provided through immunity, and legislative initiatives perceived as obstacles to investigations continue to be considered problematic for the rule of law.