Administrative court soon to become operational in Albania

TIRANA, Feb. 1 – Justice Minister Enkeled Alibeaj and the Konfindustria business association met last week to discuss the creation and operation of the administrative courts to rule on business issues. The government supports the idea of the court, particularly because of its widespread use in European Union countries.
The proposed court would resolve disputes between businesses and government authorities. At the moment, Albanian businesses complain that fiscal authorities do not have any checks on their powers. Subsequently, they may fine businesses for possible violations. However, businesses have no avenue to appeal fiscal authority decisions. Businesses say this results in higher costs. Also, they cite the need to have an impartial institution to act as an intermediary to avoid possible abuse and corruption.
The business association urged government authorities not only to approve the idea but also set concrete timetables on the creation of such an independent institution.(Tirana Times Staff)