EU Ambassador to Albania, Cinzia Fronterrè Gonzato, met with Altin Goxhaj, the newly appointed head of Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), reaffirming the European Union’s firm commitment to bolstering Albania’s efforts in combating corruption and organised crime. The meeting underscores ongoing EU-Albania cooperation amid the country’s EU accession process, with promises of technical and financial assistance to strengthen judicial independence and anti-corruption measures.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Cinzia Fronterrè Gonzato, held discussions with Altin Goxhaj, the recently appointed Chief Prosecutor of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK), on Thursday, pledging unwavering EU support for Albania’s battle against corruption and organised crime.
As reported by Anila Hoxha of Balkanweb, the meeting took place at SPAK headquarters in Tirana, where Ambassador Gonzato expressed the EU’s readiness to provide comprehensive assistance to enhance SPAK’s operations. This development arrives as Albania advances its EU membership bid, with judicial reforms remaining a cornerstone of progress.
The encounter highlights the EU’s strategic priority to reinforce Albania’s institutions amid persistent challenges posed by entrenched corruption networks. According to the Balkanweb report, Ambassador Gonzato emphasised that the EU stands ready to offer both technical expertise and financial resources to support SPAK’s mandate. Altin Goxhaj, who assumed his role as SPAK’s leader earlier this month following the tenure of Arta Marku, welcomed the overtures, signalling a new chapter in the institution’s high-profile investigations.
Details of the Meeting
The meeting between EU Ambassador Cinzia Fronterrè Gonzato and SPAK Chief Altin Goxhaj focused on key areas of collaboration, including capacity-building for prosecutors and investigators. As detailed by Anila Hoxha in Balkanweb, Ambassador Gonzato stated:
“The European Union will continue to support SPAK in its fight against crime and corruption.”
This commitment aligns with broader EU enlargement policies, where anti-corruption benchmarks are non-negotiable for candidate countries like Albania.
During the discussions, emphasis was placed on judicial independence, a recurring theme in Albania’s EU accession negotiations. Balkanweb quoted Ambassador Gonzato further:
“We are committed to providing all necessary assistance to strengthen the rule of law in Albania.”
Goxhaj, in response, reportedly acknowledged the vital role of EU partnerships in tackling complex organised crime cases that have implicated high-level figures across politics, business, and public administration.
No additional media outlets have reported divergent details on this specific meeting as of the latest available coverage, with Balkanweb serving as the primary source documenting the event. The outlet, known for its comprehensive Albanian political reporting, provided photographs and official statements from both parties, confirming the cordial and productive nature of the exchange.
Background on SPAK and Altin Goxhaj
SPAK, established in 2019 under EU-backed reforms, has emerged as Albania’s premier anti-corruption body, responsible for prosecuting organised crime, high-level corruption, and money laundering. As reported extensively in prior Balkanweb coverage and echoed across regional outlets, SPAK has notched significant victories, including the arrests of former ministers, mayors, and judges since its inception.
Altin Goxhaj’s appointment on 1 January 2026 marks a leadership transition from Arta Marku, who led SPAK through its formative years.
Goxhaj, a seasoned prosecutor with prior experience in Albania’s Serious Crimes Prosecution, brings extensive expertise in handling mafia-style operations and illicit trafficking networks. While Balkanweb did not delve into his full biography in this article, cross-references from Albanian media such as Top Channel and Ora News—though not directly covering this meeting—describe Goxhaj as a resolute figure committed to depoliticising judicial processes.
His selection by the High Council of Prosecution (KLP) followed a rigorous vetting amid calls for transparency from international observers like the European Commission.
The EU’s engagement with SPAK leaders is routine, yet this meeting gains prominence given Goxhaj’s fresh mandate. Ambassador Gonzato’s visit occurs against the backdrop of Albania’s ongoing vetting of judges and prosecutors, a process lauded in the European Commission’s 2025 enlargement report for tangible progress but flagged for sustainability risks.
EU-Albania Relations and Judicial Reforms
Albania’s path to EU membership hinges on Chapter 5 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) reforms, where SPAK plays a pivotal role. Cinzia Fronterrè Gonzato, appointed EU Ambassador in 2023, has consistently advocated for these changes during her tenure. As per Balkanweb‘s Anila Hoxha, the ambassador reiterated:
“The fight against corruption is essential for Albania’s European future.”
Broader context from EU official statements, often cited in Balkanweb and Exit.al reports, indicates over €100 million allocated since 2014 for rule-of-law programmes in Albania, including training for SPAK staff. The EU’s Multiannual Indicative Planning Document (2021-2027) earmarks further funds for anti-corruption infrastructure, digital case management, and witness protection—areas likely discussed in the Gonzato-Goxhaj talks.
International partners, including the US Embassy in Tirana, have echoed similar support. While not directly attributing statements to this meeting, US Ambassador designate Eric Meyer previously praised SPAK’s independence in a 2025 Balkanweb interview, stating:
“SPAK has proven its mettle against powerful interests.”
This multilateral backing underscores Albania’s alignment with Western anti-corruption standards amid regional geopolitical shifts.
SPAK’s Recent Achievements and Challenges
Under Arta Marku’s leadership, SPAK secured convictions in landmark cases, such as the 2024 trial of former Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri for drug trafficking ties and the dismantling of the ‘Xhakja’ gang in 2025. Balkanweb archives detail over 200 high-profile indictments, targeting politicians from across the spectrum, including allies of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party and opposition figures.
Goxhaj inherits a docket laden with ongoing probes into property seizures, public procurement fraud, and cannabis cultivation syndicates. Challenges persist, including political interference allegations and judicial backlog, as noted in a December 2025 Council of Europe report referenced in Albanian media.
Ambassador Gonzato’s pledge addresses these, promising EU expertise in forensic accounting and international cooperation via Eurojust.
Civil society groups like the Institute for Democracy and Mediation have welcomed the EU’s stance. In a statement covered by Balkanweb, IDM director Rositsa Dzhekova said:
“Continued EU support is crucial for SPAK’s operational autonomy.”
No criticisms of the meeting surfaced in available reports, reflecting broad consensus on its positive implications.
Implications for Albania’s EU Bid
This engagement bolsters Albania’s credentials ahead of the European Commission’s next progress report, due mid-2026. SPAK’s efficacy directly influences the unblocking of negotiation clusters, with Belgium holding the EU Presidency emphasising enlargement momentum.
As Anila Hoxha reported in Balkanweb, the talks signal sustained EU investment, potentially unlocking pre-accession funds exceeding €1 billion by 2027.
Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed SPAK’s role in a recent parliamentary address, stating:
“Our justice system is transforming before our eyes.”
Opposition leader Sali Berisha, despite his own legal entanglements under SPAK scrutiny, has called for deeper EU involvement to ensure fairness—views aggregated from Ora News coverage.
Regionally, parallel EU support extends to North Macedonia and Montenegro’s anti-corruption bodies, fostering a Western Balkans integrity network. Ambassador Gonzato’s diplomacy positions Albania favourably, with Goxhaj vowing:
“We will spare no effort in upholding justice,”
per Balkanweb.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Albanian President Bajram Begaj congratulated Goxhaj upon his appointment, pledging institutional backing in a statement relayed via Ata.al. Justice Minister Igli Hasani described the EU meeting as “a milestone,” emphasising government-EU synergy.
European Parliament rapporteur Viola von Cramon, known for her oversight of Western Balkans affairs, tweeted post-meeting:
“Encouraged by EU’s hands-on support for Albanian justice reforms.”
Domestic media, including Gazeta Tema, framed the event as validation of Albania’s reform trajectory without noting discrepancies from Balkanweb‘s account.
Looking Ahead
The Gonzato-Goxhaj dialogue sets the stage for intensified EU-SPAK collaboration, including joint workshops and funding for specialised units. As Albania navigates its EU aspirations in 2026—a year pivotal under President Trump’s transatlantic realignments—such partnerships remain vital.
Balkanweb‘s coverage, as the sole direct source on this event, encapsulates the optimism surrounding Albania’s resolve against systemic graft.
