The Information and Data Protection Commissioner, Mr. Besnik Dervishi, presented today at the joint meeting of the Committee on Civic Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight and the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information Means the annual report of the institution’s activity for 2024, highlighting the significant progress in strengthening the transparency of public authorities, advancing the protection of personal data and fulfilling obligations within the framework of the European integration process.

“The transparency situation in public authorities reflects a significant improvement. Albanian citizens have become more active in exercising their right to information, as shown by the self-declaration data of institutions” – stressed Commissioner Dervishi, underlining that more proactive transparency and accountability are required from every public authority.

Proactive transparency of public institutions: the greatest improvement in years

The report highlights that, during 2024, 331 public authorities have published the transparency program, 335 have appointed the coordinator and 318 have functionalized the register of requests and responses.

At the end of the annual monitoring, 45% of central and subordinate authorities were classified with high proactive transparency, marking an increase from 38% in 2023, while local self-government units significantly improved their performance, increasing from 29% to 41%.

“These results show that transparency is no longer a formal obligation, but is becoming an institutional culture. However, there is still a need for improvements in the publication of information and in responding to citizens’ requests,” said Dervishi.

The Commissioner’s Office administered 1,025 complaints during 2024, a slightly lower figure than the previous year, which is related to the overall improvement in accessibility and transparency.

Personal data protection: New Law No. 124/2024 in full compliance with EU standards

One of the most important moments of the year was the adoption by the Parliament, in December 2024, of the new Law No. 124/2024 “On the protection of personal data”, which fully aligns Albanian legislation with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Directive on law enforcement bodies (Police Directive).

“This modern law constitutes a major step forward in protecting the privacy and fundamental rights of Albanian citizens. It is also a key condition in the framework of the accession negotiations with the European Union,” declared the Commissioner.

During 2024, the Commissioner’s Office handled 455 complaints about personal data breaches and conducted 77 administrative investigations, mainly in the education, health, tourism and banking sectors.

 At the end of the procedures, 68 administrative sanctions were issued, as well as unifying recommendations for improving security measures and respecting the rights of data subjects.

Strengthening the supervisory and international role

In the framework of international cooperation, the Commissioner’s Office has developed the first monitoring process within the Albanian prosecution system and SPAK, within the framework of the obligations arising from the cooperation with Eurojust.

“This process constitutes an important moment for strengthening institutional integrity and for guaranteeing the protection of personal data also in the justice system” – emphasized Dervishi.

The Commissioner’s Office has continued an active role in the international arena, being a member of the Executive Committee of the International Conference of Information Commissioners.

Raising awareness and strengthening capacities

Commissioner Dervishi emphasized the necessity for greater institutional and public awareness, continuous training and strengthening of information systems in both areas – the right to information and the protection of personal data.

In implementation of the recommendations of the Assembly, the Commissioner’s Office has fully implemented all obligations, providing opinions on 64 legal and sub-legal acts and 40 opinions on various issues of public and private controllers.

“Transparency and the protection of personal data are two essential pillars of a democratic and just state. Our report clearly shows that we are on the right track, but it requires continuous commitment, institutional cooperation and public awareness to make these principles a reality at every level of the administration,” – concluded his report to the Laws Committee, Commissioner Besnik Dervishi.