The Ombudsman, Mr. Endrit Shabani, met with the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Ms. Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who presented the findings of the European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Report.
During the meeting, the discussion focused on the need to strengthen independent institutions that protect human rights.

The Ombudsman shared with the Ambassador the challenges currently facing the institution, starting with an increased workload. On one hand, more citizens are seeking the Ombudsman’s intervention, leading to a one-third increase in the number of complaints compared to the previous year.

On the other hand, the institution’s role is expanding, particularly within the context of the European integration process and the alignment of national legislation with the *acquis communautaire*.

Ms. Moreira de Sousa emphasized that the European Commission’s 2026 Report on Albania also highlights the need to support and strengthen the Ombudsman. The report notes that the Ombudsman’s regional offices are affected by a lack of human and financial resources, and it calls for these shortcomings to be addressed by the Parliament. Mr. Shabani proposed that the implementation of recommendations from independent institutions be a standing item in the European Union’s dialogue with the Albanian government regarding Chapter 23.
The meeting also addressed the protection of children's rights—an area where the report notes that implementation remains challenging.

Furthermore, discussions covered the prospects for young people in a European Albania, the importance of building democratic institutions, and the responsibilities that accompany European Union membership.

The EU Ambassador emphasized that the European Union views the Ombudsman as a key partner in institutional oversight and the strengthening of democratic accountability, and offered continued support to enhance the institution's role within the framework of European integration.