Institution of Public Commissioners (Albania)

The Institution of Public Commissioners (Albania), often referred to as the Public Commissioners (Komisionerë Publikë in Albanian), is an independent body in Albania responsible for re-evaluating judges and prosecutors as part of the country's vetting process. This process is a crucial element of Albania's judicial reform efforts, aimed at combating corruption and increasing public trust in the judiciary.

The Public Commissioners investigate the wealth, background, and professional skills of judges and prosecutors, assessing their eligibility to continue serving in their roles. This assessment is conducted in accordance with Albanian law and international standards. The commissioners operate independently from the government and the judiciary, ensuring impartiality and objectivity in their work.

Their findings are then presented to the Independent Qualification Commission (IQC). If the Public Commissioners disagree with the IQC’s decision regarding a judge or prosecutor, they have the right to appeal the decision to the Special Appeals Chamber (SAC), the highest judicial instance handling vetting cases.

The establishment and functioning of the Public Commissioners are supported by international partners, including the European Union and the United States, who provide technical assistance and monitoring to ensure the vetting process is conducted fairly and effectively. The role of the Public Commissioners is considered vital for Albania's progress in its EU accession process.