During November 18-20, 2024, the High Prosecutorial Council (HPC) Administration, with the support, organization, and coordination of the EU4Justice Project, conducted a study visit to the High Council for the Judiciary (HCJ) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) of France. The Albanian delegation consisted of the HPC Chairwoman, General Secretary, and Directors, Heads of Units, and legal advisors of the HPC.

The participants had insights into the French system, structure of the HCJ, and its relationship with the Ministry of Justice, procedures, and the consultative role of the French Council. Steady development of the career of prosecutors and judges in France, their process of evaluation, transparent procedures, and mutual effective involvement of both the Council and the MoJ provided valuable information for the participants.

Interactive sessions allowed participants to exchange questions and experiences, fostering a comparison and acknowledgment of the similarities and differences between the two judicial systems. Additionally, these sessions provided the HPC Administration with valuable knowledge on internal communication, document management, human resources, planning, coordination, and transparency in procedures and decisions.

During the visit to the MoJ of France, the participants witnessed the unique and democratic cooperation between the Council and the MoJ. They received a detailed presentation of the responsible Directorate structure and activities in managing the careers of magistrates and judicial civil servants in France.

The HPC expressed its gratitude for this opportunity provided by the EU4Justice project. The HPC Chairwoman emphasized that the study visit serves as a foundation for future cooperation between the justice systems of the two countries and will contribute to Albania’s EU integration efforts.

EU4JUSTICE is an EU Contribution Agreement Project implemented by AICS, Expertise France, and FIIAPP.  The project’s overall objective is the improvement of the capacity of the independent justice institutions in Albania.