On the occasion of Justice Day, on the 10^th of May 2024, the EU4Justice Project in partnership with OSCE Presence in Albania supported the organization of the Joint Annual Meeting of the High Judicial Council and High Prosecutorial Council. This event brought together members of both Councils and High Justice Inspector Office, high-ranking officials from Albanian institutions, representatives from the Judiciary and the Prosecution, along with international partners.

The President of the Republic, Mr. Bajram Begaj, EU Ambassador in Albania Mr. Silvio Gonzato, Albanian Minister of Justice Mr. Ulsi Manja, US Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Mr. David Wisner and Acting Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania Ms. Clarisse Pasztory, Chairpersons of the HJC and the HPC delivered their remarks.

The EU Ambassador emphasized the EU’s strong commitment to support Albanian Institutions in implementing the rule of law road map, fighting corruption, and enhancing their accountability and transparency. All keynote speakers highlighted the importance of the Justice Reform and how it has marked an important step for Albania in its way to comply with international standards when it comes to the functioning of its Judicial Institutions.

The Ambassador of Spain, representatives from the Italian and French Embassies (representing the Consortium Partners of the EU4Justice Project), and other stakeholders attended as well the event.

The joint meeting provided a forum for addressing challenges confronting the judiciary and the prosecution, ranging from case backlog to resource constraints.

One of the main topics in the focus of the meeting was the promotion of cooperation and coordination between the Councils and the High Justice Inspector through coordinated efforts for standardizing practices and developing joint regulations with the objective of improving the overall functioning of the judiciary. 

Notably, today’s presentation and discussion of a joint regulation on unifying disciplinary proceedings for violation cases involving a judge and a prosecutor, developed with support from EU4Justice, marked a significant step forward in this direction. The regulation’s development resulted from the collaboration efforts of the EU4Justice experts and both Councils’ members. This regulation reinforces the independence of institutions while promoting coordination and communication among the Councils.

Through constructive dialogue, the Councils aim to devise strategies that improve access to justice, streamline legal processes, and foster public trust in the judicial system.

EU4Justice will continue to support the Councils on these matters.