On 10 November 2025, under Activity 1.3.1.8 of its workplan, the EU4Justice Project, in cooperation with the High Judicial Council (HJC), its Ethical Advisor, and the School of Magistrates, organised a Training Workshop on the Code of Ethics and Ethical Dilemmas at the School of Magistrates in Tirana. The workshop brought together 22 magistrates from the courts of Tirana, Elbasan, Lushnja, and Durrës to enhance their understanding and practical application of judicial ethics and professional conduct. The training was also attended by the Resident Advisor of the EU Twinning Project at the School of Magistrates.

Opening the session, Ms Irena Plaku, HJC Member and Chair of the Ethical and Professional Evaluation Committee, emphasised that ethics constitutes a cornerstone of judicial independence, impartiality, and public trust. She underlined that adherence to ethical standards—both within and beyond the courtroom—represents not only a legal duty but also a moral obligation inherent to the judicial function.

Ms Albana Boksi, HJC Ethical Advisor and Judge of the High Court, presented the Guidelines on Ethical Dilemmas developed with the support of EU4Justice, outlining their objectives, structure, and scope. She described the Guidelines as a living instrument designed to assist magistrates in addressing ethical challenges encountered in the exercise of their duties. Mr Aulon Pashaj, Judge of the Tirana Court of First Instance and Facilitator from the School of Magistrates, complemented the session with an overview of European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence on judicial impartiality, linking ethical principles to the broader framework of human rights standards.

The workshop featured interactive discussions on practical issues, including communication with parties and lawyers, public criticism of courts, recusal procedures, extra-professional activities, and relations between judges and prosecutors.

On behalf of the EU4Justice, Mr Arturo Valdés commended the participants’ active engagement and reaffirmed the Project’s continued support to the HJC in promoting integrity, accountability, and professionalism within the Albanian judiciary.

The final session of this training cycle will be held in Shkodra on 25 November 2025, targeting magistrates from courts and prosecution offices in the northern judicial districts.