On 20.05.2025, in a solemn ceremony held in the plenary session hall of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania, the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution (ALSAI) celebrated the 100th anniversary of its establishment, a historic moment for the highest audit institution in the country.

Participants in this important event for the institutional history of the country were the Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania, Ms. Elisa Spiropali, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps, delegations from 19 supreme audit institutions in the region and beyond, international partners, ministers, members of parliament, heads of institutions, academics, representatives of the media, civil society, employees and former employees of the ALSAI, etc.

The ceremony opened with the welcoming speech of the Chairman of the ALSAI, Mr. Arben Shehu, who emphasized the importance of this anniversary not only as a historical commemoration, but as a starting point for the future:

“100 years of history are not just a journey to commemorate, but a solid foundation to build the future. The Albanian Supreme Audit Institution will continue to improve professional capacities, adopt modern technologies, and stand for the benefit of the common interest.
This anniversary is not only a stopping point to evaluate our journey, but also a starting point for a new commitment to build a more responsible, more efficient and more honest future in the service of the citizen.
I would like to reiterate that the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution will remain faithful to its constitutional mission in sync with the interest of the state and, in essence, of every Albanian. We will continue to protect the public interest and the interest of every Albanian citizen, with commitment to the principles of the rule of law and good governance. I am convinced that our common path will continue with sustainable cooperation, mutual exchange and mutual support to build stronger institutions and a more accountable administration”, – emphasized the Chairman of the ALSAI.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Ms. Elisa Spiropali, in her speech praised the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution as a key instrument for strengthening democracy and the fight against corruption, ensuring the support of the Assembly for maintaining institutional independence.

“The Assembly will continue to support all constitutional and legally established institutions and their independence, to fulfill their mission as guardians of the public and civic interest. The independence of institutions is a vital dimension of the proper functioning of powers in a democratic system, as well as their responsibility, transparency and accountability. We appreciate your efforts to strengthen institutional independence and professionalism, as a constitutional institution, guided by the principles of the rule of law, assessments of which are also made in the latest monitoring reports of Albania by the OECD and the EU. The Assembly is committed in the fight against corruption and for this has requested and will continue to request your contribution”, – said Ms. Spiropali.

The Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union, Mr. Silvio Gonzato, also spoke at the event. Appreciating the key role of the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution in strengthening good governance and transparency in the country, Ambassador Gonzato emphasized that an independent, credible and effective institution is essential for Albania’s membership in the EU.

“Its work goes beyond auditing, helps to prevent fraud, irregularities in procurement and promotes transparency through open engagement with citizens and institutions. We remain committed in supporting the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution as Albania advances on its path towards the EU. EU legislation requires institutions such as the ALSAI to be independent and equipped with the appropriate resources and mandate to exercise control over all income and expenditure of public funds, including those of the European Union and other donors. Any changes that will be made must be in full compliance with the requirements of EU legislation and standards”, – said Ambassador Gonzato.

Also at the ceremony, greeting speeches were delivered by the President of EUROSAI and the Comptroller of the State of Israel, Mr. Matanyahu Englman; the Presidency of INTOSAI represented by Mr. Augusto Nardes, Minister at the Court of Accounts of Brazil; the Auditor General of the National Audit Office of Kosovo, Ms. Vlora Spanca; the President of the Supreme Audit Office of Poland, Mr. Marian Banaś; and the Vice-President of the Greek Court of Audit, Ms. Maria Vlachaki.

Ms. Enriqueta Chicano Javega, President of the Court of Audit of Spain and Secretary General of EUROSAI, as well as Mr. Einar Gorrissen, Director General, INTOSAI Development Initiative, also conveyed their greetings for the anniversary of the ALSAI through a video.

The ceremony concluded with the historic speech on the journey of the ALSAI by Prof. Dr. Nevila Nika and the greeting speech by the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Tirana, Prof. Dr. Dorina Hoxha.