The European Commission has reacted to amendments to Article 72 of the new law on the Bank of Albania, which grants Governor Gent Sejko special protection from arrest and prosecutorial checks.
The European Commission says it is aware of the recent amendments and that the law is being assessed within the framework of Albania’s EU accession process, specifically under Chapter 17.
The European Commission clarifies that governors of central banks of EU member states enjoy the privileges and immunities provided for in Protocol No. 7 of the European Union, for actions they carry out in the performance of their official duties as members of a body of the European Central Bank.
In its response to A2 CNN, the Commission stresses that, from the moment Albania joins the European Union, Article 72 of the draft law, which concerns legal protection while performing duties, will be applied in a manner that respects the privileges and immunities guaranteed to the Governor by Protocol No. 7.
The Albanian Parliament approved the new law on the Bank of Albania with 84 votes in favor. The new provision stipulates that no arrest measures may be imposed on the Governor, and no personal or residential searches may be carried out, without the prior authorization of Parliament, when the proceedings relate to the performance of his duties.
