Albania’s Asia Pacific Opportunity Depends on the Rule of Law
A relationship with real potential faces a major potential stumbling block.
Albania's opportunity in the Asia Pacific hinges on establishing a foundation of the rule of law. With Japan playing a pivotal role in fostering this relationship, Albania has made significant strides in strengthening ties with the Indo-Pacific region. The Japanese government, through the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Framework, has emphasized economic security and supply chain resilience, particularly in relation to Albania's Balkan reform efforts.
However, Albania's progress in this area faces considerable challenges. The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), established by Albania as an investigative agency, has been criticized for its opaque documentation, minimal oversight, and frequent use of pre-trial detention. This has raised concerns about judicial credibility, particularly when high-profile figures like Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj have been detained.
Veliaj's case, along with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s, highlights the broader issue of rule of law in Albania, which extends beyond domestic debates and impacts Albania's international ambitions, particularly in attracting Asia-Pacific investment.
Japan, in particular, has strong investment diplomacy built on predictability and transparency. For Tokyo's markets to thrive, Albania must demonstrate a stable legal process capable of enforcing contracts long-term. The country's judicial system, riddled with gaps in due process and instances of judicial corruption, poses a significant threat to Albania's larger goals of international cooperation.
The upcoming review of Veliaj’s pre-trial detention by the Supreme Court on September 15, 2025, underscores the urgency of these reforms.
Written by urgent.news from The Diplomat's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
