The Albanian Helsinki Committee (KShH) held a Discussion Roundtable to consult on the findings and several recommendations addressed through the Position Paper “The Vetting Process and Its Consequences Towards an Independent, Professional, and Accountable Judiciary in Albania.”
This event, moderated by the well-known lecturer and journalist Mr. Lutfi Dervishi, was welcomed by KShH’s Executive Director, Ms. Erida Skëndaj, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tirana, H.E. Mr. Reinout Vos, and the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania, H.E. Mr. Silvio Gonzato.
In addition to the heads of all Prosecution Offices operating in the Republic of Albania, the discussion was attended by the Chairman of the High Judicial Council, Mr. Ilir Rusi, the Chairman of the High Inspectorate of Justice, Mr. Artur Metani, the Director of the High Inspectorate for the Declaration and Audit of Assets and Conflict of Interest, Ms. Evgjeni Bashari, the Member of the High Prosecutorial Council, Mr. Erion Fejzulla, as well as the Head of the Cabinet of the High Court, Ms. Arta Vorpsi.
The discussed document highlights the importance of the vetting process in ensuring a fair and trustworthy judicial system. It emphasizes that the independence of the judiciary is fundamental to combating corruption and ensuring impartial justice. Furthermore, the professionalism of magistrates must be based on meritocracy and integrity, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals serve within the justice system. Finally, accountability remains a key element in strengthening public trust and transparency in decision-making. Only such a system can guarantee justice for all and advance the rule of law.
However, the need for improvements in increasing the speed of case reviews, reducing backlog, standardizing procedures, and enhancing institutional coordination efficiency were some of the key comments raised during the discussion.
This activity, organized by the Albanian Helsinki Committee (KShH), was carried out within the framework of the C1 – EU – NPA project, “Enhancing Policy Debate and Accountability to Fulfill Basic Rights through the Creation of the Negotiation Platform for Cluster 1 Albania.