Toward EU alignment. Aligning Albania’s legislative framework with European legal models

This study focuses on aligning the legislative process of the Albanian Parliament through a comparative lens with European Union standards, referencing the legislative procedures of EU member states, particularly the European Parliament, Italy, and Germany. With EU integration as a primary objective, Albania has undertaken substantial governance reforms, including anti- corruption measures and rule of law enhancement. The analysis identifies the Albanian legislative system’s key components comparing them to EU counterparts, emphasizing the role of transparency, citizen engagement, and parliamentary procedures. Particular focus is given to citizen-initiated legislative process, highlighting Albania’s relatively high threshold for citizen involvement compared to EU standards. Furthermore, this study examines post-legislative monitoring and the role of civil society in legislative consultations, pointing to gaps that impact the effectiveness of public engagement. Through this comparative study, the research advocates for reforms in Albania’s legislative process to foster more inclusive, efficient, and transparent governance, aligning with EU principles, enhancing the participatory role of Albanian civil society and local government actors in legislation.