The role of the supreme audit institution in guaranteeing good fiscal governance in Albania: An assessment in the light of the Acquis Communautaire

This paper provides a brief analysis of the impact that the Supreme Audit Institution has on maintaining good fiscal governance and why its role is so important in the EU integration process. The European Union has made it clear that the fight against corruption and the strengthening of institutions are prerequisites for successful EU membership of Albania. The Albanian Supreme Audit Institution is a full member of international organizations such as EUROSAI (European Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions) and INTOSAI (International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions). Main tasks of the SAI include auditing public finances, drafting reports on audit findings and submitting them to the Assembly of Albania and relevant institutions and also provide recommendations for improving financial and administrative management in institutions which make them a very important body in the process of Albania’s integration into the European Union. Overall, the SAI is the main body ensuring transparency, accountability and efficient use of public resources in Albania. This is very important for economic stability and Albania’s integration in the EU. The SAI has generally done a better job compared to other institutions according to the reports, but there is still room for improvement.