THE ALBANIAN PUBLIC'S TRUST IN SECURITY: STUMBLING BLOCKS TO EU NEGOTIATIONS 1. Introduction This paper will analyze the accountability system that governs the security sector in Albania. In particular, the specific roles that democratically elected institutions play in ensuring oversight of security actors. It will also include data related to the public's perception of how these institutions execute their duties. We will state the most important recommendations concerning improving the accountability of these institutions, the democratization of the security sector in general, and in the end, the improvement of the practical functionality of said institutions. The most important institutions that are responsible for the security of people and the stability of public order, include: ● parliament ● the executive, the judiciary system-including elements and institutions related to the judicial reform ● the armed forces ● the intelligence service. This analysis is specifically of importance when discussing the democratization of the institutions of Albania, considering the country's path to democracy has been problematic and tumultuous. We aim to provide an insight into the functionality of the security apparatus of the country from an impartial perspective(as opposed to the typical perspective of inner politics). With this in mind, our analysis utilizes statistical data that shows the public's perspective on such institutions and their perceived level of democratization, democratic accountability, and the general functionality of the laws that govern them outside of a purely formal basis. To do this, we have procured data from the Albanian Security Barometer(ASB), which provides us with much-needed information on the public's opinion on many institutions that are constantly at the attention of politics, lawmaking, and the media and which are at the forefront of the security apparatus of the state. The security institutions of the Republic of Albania have undergone constant reforms since the fall of Communism in Albania in the early 90s. These reforms were aimed to result in the eventual transition of Albania into a democracy governed by laws and institutions, truly inspired and based upon the best modern practices, as well as the idealism of the enlightenment. However, this has been a challenging task due to Albania's institutional tradition of totalitarianism. Before the 90s, the Albanian police were highly militarized, with very little doctrinal difference between the operational duties of military command and the police command. The intelligence institutions, much like in the entire communist bloc, were little more 9