On 7 November, Parliament adopted a revised Law on Gender Equality, replacing the 2008 framework with expanded protections against harassment, gender-based violence and anti-discrimination. In genderbased violence cases, the accused, not the victim, will now bear the burden of proof. The law requires state institutions, local government bodies and large employers to integrate gender-equality measures into their planning, budgeting and policy processes. It requires public institutions to ensure no gender holds less than 30 per cent of positions, with a long-term goal of approaching 50 per cent representation. The law supports the equality between ‘women and men in all their diversity,’ ensuring no one is excluded based on how they experience their gender. It aligns with the EU gender equality acquis and implements a recommendation of the UN CEDAW Committee. Women's rights groups hailed the law as historic, while the opposition Democratic Party and 'pro-family' groups called it an attack on traditional values. This ignited one of the largest disinformationfueled hate campaigns against the LGBTQIA+ community the country has seen. 

Sources: HRRC, Balkan Insight (1), Balkan Insight (2),  Parliament of Albania, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar, Ministry of Justice – Albania, United Nations Albania

On 7 October, during a property dispute hearing at the Tirana Court of Appeals, the defendant in the case opened fire in the courtroom, killing the presiding judge and injuring two plaintiffs. According to reports, he acted knowing the case would not be decided in his favor. The assailant, who was carrying an illegal firearm, entered the building without being searched, even after triggering the metal detector. The security guard now faces charges of abuse of office. The tragedy sparked public debate and concerns about public trust and the state of the judiciary. The European Association of Judges noted that the Albanian judiciary is under strain due to the vetting process, with members of the judiciary facing public hostility and attacks. Both President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the attack, with Rama publicly calling for harsher penalties on the illegal possession of firearms.  

Sources: Euronews, The Guardian, RTSH, General Prosecution Office, European Association of Judges, Replika, Periskopi 

On 1 August, the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that while Italy (and other EU member states) may decide which countries are ‘safe’ for the return of asylum-seekers to their countries of origin, such designations must meet strict legal standards and be open to challenge with accessible evidence. The Court added that a country cannot be deemed ‘safe’ if it fails to provide adequate protection to its entire population. This comes after months of disputes between the Italian judiciary and the Italian government, as well as the transfer of migrants from Italy to costly, mostly inactive Italian-funded asylum centers in Albania, which have turned into repatriation centers. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the ruling, saying it weakens efforts to curb mass illegal immigration. The future of these centres remains unclear. Amnesty International described the ruling as a major setback for the Italy-Albania deal, which they argue outsources asylum processing at the expense of migrant and refugee rights.

Sources: International IDEA, Court of Justice of the European Union, Amnesty International, Al Jazeera, Euronews Albania, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

On 11 May, Albania held its parliamentary elections, in which the ruling Socialist Party (SP) won 52.2 per cent of the vote, securing Prime Minister Edi Rama an unprecedented fourth term. The SP will hold 83 of 140 seats in Parliament—just one short of the number needed for constitutional amendments. The opposition Coalition Democratic Party (DP-ASHM) came second with 34.3 per cent and 51 seats. Its leader, Sali Berisha, rejected the results, accusing the SP of vote-buying. Observers noted that the elections were competitive and professionally conducted but took place in a highly polarized environment and contestants did not enjoy a level playing field. Similar to the previous legislature, the proportion of women in Parliament will make up 35.0 per cent, exceeding the 30 per cent quota. Voter turnout stood at 42.8 per cent, down from 46.3 per cent in 2021. 

Sources: Balkan Insight, Central Election Commission Albania, Politiko, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe