Asked about the SHISH affair, EU spokesperson: “We don’t comment on ongoing investigations — we trust SPAK”

European Commission enlargement spokesperson Guillaume Mercier expressed Brussels’ confidence in SPAK to investigate and prosecute organized crime. His remarks came in response to journalists’ questions about the case of former SHISH director Vlora Hyseni, who has been placed under “house arrest,” with Mercier stressing that the Commission does not comment on individual ongoing cases.

“We don’t comment on matters that are in process, but what we can say is that we follow closely developments related to the rule of law, particularly justice reforms and the fight against organized crime and corruption — areas in which Albania has made considerable progress. We have full confidence in the ability of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime, known as SPAK, to detect, investigate and prosecute organized crime. In a broader view, we are always in contact with our Albanian counterparts,” Mercier said.

He added that the European Commission’s broader assessment would be made public in the forthcoming enlargement report, expected to be published in the coming weeks.