The Institute of Political Studies (ISP) held a Roundtable Discussion on “Standards for Implementing the Public Consultation Process in Albania: Findings and Recommendations.”
This event, moderated by lecturer and journalist Mr. Lutfi Dervishi, was addressed by the ISP Executive Director, Mr. Afrim Krasniqi, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Tirana, H.E. Mr. Reinout Vos, and the OSCE Ambassador to Albania. In collaboration with the OSCE, ISP experts Mr. Afrim Krasniqi and Ms. Migena Kondo analyzed and presented findings on parliamentary consultation standards in Albania, including a concrete case: the public consultation process for Law 25/2022 “On the Support and Development of Startups.”
The roundtable also featured contributions from representatives of key institutions: Ms. Jorida Tabaku, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs; Mr. Taulant Balla, Minister for Relations with the Parliament; Ms. Zheni Gjergji, Chair of the Committee on Labor, Social Issues, and Health; Ms. Ina Zhupa, Chair of the Committee on Education and Public Information Means; Mr. Tedi Dobi, Deputy Minister of Justice; as well as civil society representatives Mr. Gjergj Vurmo (IDM) and Ms. Klodiana Kapo (Faktoje Center).
The public consultation process is a legal obligation (Law 146/2014) and a fundamental standard for transparency and accountability in support of the rule of law and functional democracy. Albania needs to enhance parliamentary mechanisms, intergovernmental coordination, and the effectiveness of consultations with non-governmental stakeholders.
This activity by the Institute of Political Studies (ISP) was carried out as part of the C1 – EU – NPA project, “Improving Policy Debate and Accountability to Fulfill Basic Rights through the Creation of the Cluster 1 Negotiations Platform for Albania,” implemented by four Albanian organizations—the Center for the Study of Democracy and Governance, the Albanian Helsinki Committee, the Institute of Political Studies, and the Albanian Institute of Science—with financial support from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Albania.