TIRANA, Oct. 28 – The Albanian Constitutional Court has sent the Law on Reassessment of Judges and Prosecutors, known as the “vetting law” to the Venice Commission.
The request for review attached to the draft arguments on the bill have been translated into English and sent to the commission, which is expected to deliver its opinion during the ninth and tenth meeting sessions to be held in December 2016, the court said this week.
The vetting bill, considered as one of the crucial pillars of the judicial reform, was suspended last week by the Constitutional Court based on a request deposited by the Democratic Party, which demanded the Council of Europe advisory body’s opinion about the compatibility of the legislation with the country’s constitution.
The vetting law — backed by EU and US representatives in Tirana — is considered a legal instrument that will scan about 800 judges and prosecutors for their professional proficiency, moral integrity and independence from the influence of the organized crime, corruption and political power.
The screening process will be conducted by a newly established Independent Commission of Qualification. The Democratic Party opposes the methodology of electing members of the committee arguing that it is politically biased.
Albania’s Constitutional Court will make a final decision on the bill following the delivery of the opinion by the Venice Commission in December 2016. The implementation of the judicial reform is only expected to start at the beginning of 2017.
The delay in the process of implementing the judicial reform could imperil Albania’s chance of opening accession negotiations with European Union this year.
On Nov. 9, the European Union is expected to hand out recommendations and report on the progress of Western Balkan countries on the path to join the union.
