The Ombudsman requested support today from the Committee on Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation, and Institutional Oversight to strengthen the institution.

"The allocated funding is insufficient to fulfill the recommendations set out in the Assembly's resolution," stated Endrit Shabani.

The Ombudsman added that, while the number of staff has remained unchanged, the workload has increased by at least 35%.

Mr. Shabani informed the members of the parliamentary committee that the EU itself, in its 2026 Progress Report, notes a lack of human and financial resources within the institution's regional offices, as well as a low rate of implementation regarding its recommendations.

"Staff for local offices, inspectors, and the electronic system we are requesting are the tools necessary to implement this recommendation. The EU has tasked Albania with enhancing the institutional capacity of the Ombudsman," Shabani noted.

The Ombudsman emphasized that, should the Assembly provide this financial support, the institution would be able to employ inspectors to verify the implementation of recommendations on the ground, as well as specialists for its regional offices and for strengthening its various sections.