The German Embassy in Tirana has reacted after the Albanian Parliament rejected a request from Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) to authorize the arrest of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.

In an official statement, the Embassy of Germany in Tirana stressed that effective prosecution of corruption, including high-level cases, remains a necessary condition for Albania to make progress on its path toward membership in the European Union.

“The effective prosecution of corruption, including at high levels, is an essential prerequisite for progress in this merit-based process,” the embassy said. “Our clear expectation is that, even in such cases, criminal prosecution through the justice system can be carried out swiftly and without obstacles. Albanian politics is still expected to guarantee this process.”

The embassy reiterated that Germany continues to support Albania’s European integration process, in line with the aspirations of the Albanian people.