Plenary Session of National Convention on European Integration, 19 December 2024

Since 2014, the National Convention on European Integration (NCEI) has been instrumental in promoting dialogue on EU-related reforms. This initiative, implemented by European Movement Albania and financially supported by the European Union (2023-2026), aims to institutionalize public debate and foster cooperation between state institutions and non-state actors. NCEI discussions focus on fundamental issues and EU related reforms on fields such as: rule of law, justice, human rights, anti-corruption, public procurement, statistics and financial control. Through the use of the institutionalisation of the public debate on EU related issues based on the partnership of the government, civil society and business organisations and strengthening the CSOs and experts’ skills and capacities regarding the EU integration negotiations.

The plenary sessions aim to promote exchange, results and outputs through policy recommendations (also in printed publications) in addition to Working Groups with outputs from internal experts. Over the past decade, we have worked closely with key ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance, National Assembly, and the Public Procurement Agency. Through this collaboration, we have organized over 75 working group sessions and 5 plenary activities, with contributions from over 40 experts from the EU and the region. These experts have shared their knowledge and experience, creating a platform for in-depth dialogue among over 800 participants from state institutions, civil society, the business community, academia, and media, alongside international representatives.

In partnership with the EU Conventions in Serbia and North Macedonia, the NCEI has contributed to the establishment of a Regional Convention highlighting the rule of law reforms and fundamental chapters of EU Acquis, with the Convention in Serbia leading this regional initiative, supported by the MATRA Programme of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The National Convention provides a space for recommendations and actionable insights to be shared, which are then passed on to relevant stakeholders and CSOs, fuelling further discussions and collaborative solutions. This plenary session was focused on both the national and regional levels, where experts from CSOs and representatives from public institutions from Serbia and North Macedonia enriched the regional dimension of the discussion, sharing common challenges and learning from best practices.

 

Welcoming Panel: Opening Remarks and Overview of EU Integration Priorities

The Plenary Session of the National Convention on European Integration for the period of 2023-2024 commenced with a distinguished welcoming panel, reflecting the session’s commitment to advancing dialogue on Albania’s EU integration.

The panel featured Mr. Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of the European Movement Albania, who set the tone for the discussions by emphasizing the session’s role in fostering collaboration and transparency.

Joining him were esteemed representatives of EU and Albanian institutions: Ms. Cinzia Tarletti, Counsellor and Head of the Good Governance and Rule of Law Section at the EU Delegation to Albania, and Ms. Aslı Çetinel, Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Albania, both of whom highlighted the importance of aligning reforms with EU standards. Driving off the collaborative spirit that drives these efforts, is the EU’s and its Member States commitment to building partnerships, which focuses on fostering civic participation, policy dialogue, and cooperation with key stakeholders during Albania’s EU accession process through grants and funding programs such as IPA Civil Society Programme of EU and Matra Rule of Law Programme of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This is particularly relevant as to the ongoing screening process of the Cluster I- Fundamentals that cover critical areas of the Plenary Session’s interest : rule of law, governance, and transparency (Chapters 23, 24, 5, 32, and 18).

The Albanian perspective was represented by, alongside Mr. Tedi Dobi, Deputy Minister of Justice, Mr. Besfort Lamallari, Deputy Minister of Interior and Ms. Reida Kashta, General Director of the Public Procurement Agency. Their presence underscored Albania’s commitment to addressing critical areas such as governance, justice, and internal affairs in the EU accession process. All of them being esteemed negotiators of the respective Chapters of 23, 24 and 5.

This welcoming session laid the foundation for a day of insightful discussions, bringing together diverse stakeholders to assess and advance Albania’s European integration efforts.

Mr. Gledis Gjipali, began by extending his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all participants, acknowledging their demanding schedules. He expressed particular gratitude to the EU Delegation, the Dutch Embassy for their ongoing collaboration and support, with not only EMA but also with other partners, civil society and stakeholders. He then also mentioned the good collaboration established between Ministries of Justice and of Interior, and the Agency of Public Procurement under the Convention. Gjipali also thanked experts and colleagues of Slovakia, North Macedonia and Serbia- especially for their expertise and contribution in Cluster I the Fundamentals. And lastly, the public for their interest in collaboration for open dialogue and stressed the importance of such civic engagement and how beneficial it is for all stakeholders.

Gjipali then passed over the floor to Ms. Cinzia Tarletti, of the EU Delegation, who conveyed the EU Delegation’s satisfaction with Albania’s progress, particularly its pace. Highlighting the importance of sustaining this momentum, she emphasized how the close collaboration between the Delegation and Albania demonstrates the EU’s commitment to enlargement while showcasing Albania as a potential exemplar for the Western Balkans. Drawing on her expertise in governance and the rule of law, Tarletti underscored that reforms should not remain merely theoretical or “on paper, stressing the fact that the acquis are not mere goals to tick off.” She stressed that the correct implementation of the rule of law and democratic principles is essential for ensuring Albania’s seamless transition into the EU and the role of civil society as an actor in offering expertise, scrutiny and criticism to ensure accountability. She praised the roadmap as a key instrument for amplifying civil society voices and encourages for better collaboration between governments in the Western Balkans and with other EU states. In her speech she emphasized that the negotiation process is slow and requires continuous efforts and reinforcement, collective efforts from the EU Commission and the Albanian Government will ensure a successful EU integration. Acknowledging the persistent challenges posed by corruption, she called for urgent action, warning that failure to address this issue could undermine the entire process. Nevertheless, she expressed her confidence in the efforts of Albanian ministries and reaffirmed the EU Delegation’s unwavering support for Albania’s integration journey.

Mr. Gledis Gjipali responded to the opening remarks, aligning with the EU Ambassador’s points. He acknowledged the necessity of support from the European Commission, especially as tensions in the Western Balkans rise and the relationship with civil society becomes increasingly pivotal. He stressed the importance of fostering socio-economic initiatives as critical steps forward, reinforcing the need for active and sustained collaboration to navigate these challenges effectively. Furthermore, he then gave the floor to Ms. Aslı Çetinel, Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Albania, expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity to participate in such an event. She emphasized the importance of these gatherings for the Dutch Embassy, aligning with their mission to strengthen democracy and foster dialogue. Ms. Çetinel reaffirmed the Netherlands’ longstanding support for Albania’s EU integration, reiterating that they continue to stand firmly behind this goal. She emphasized the importance of fundamental values such as the rule of law, good governance, anti-corruption measures, and the cultivation of democratic resilience, all of which are essential to fostering public trust. Regarding Cluster I, she highlighted that a robust and transparent process is the cornerstone of a just society. The ambassador underscored the vital role of civil society in holding governments accountable and driving reforms, particularly through regional platforms that create space for meaningful dialogue and cooperation. Building on the points raised by her colleagues, she highlighted the need for Albania to address corruption decisively while ensuring the effective implementation of democratic governance and the rule of law. She mentioned that Chapter 6, focused on funding, has been opened, underscoring the importance of credibility—not just in the negotiation process but in the tangible impact these changes have on people’s lives. These efforts, she noted, are vital for maintaining quality reforms and for Albania to set a positive example for other Western Balkan countries. Additionally, Ms. Çetinel drew attention to the significance of democratic cultural development, stressing the Netherlands’ commitment to investing in initiatives that particularly benefit the youth, further bolstering Albania’s integration efforts, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive, stressing the need for advocacy, agility, and impactful actions to ensure sustained progress and long-lasting benefits for Albanian citizens.

The moderator, Mr. Gledis Gjipali highlighted the significant work accomplished by the Partnership Plaftorm for European Integration. He emphasized the organization of 12 roundtables, the development of 157 recommendations, and the participation of 419 individuals within the period 2023-2024, which he pointed out as a reflection on the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. Such initiatives, he stressed, are essential for ensuring transparency, building trust, and effectively addressing the complexities of Albania’s EU accession process.

Mr. Tedi Dobi, Deputy Minister of Justice of Albania, highlighted the strategic investments made by the Ministry of Justice, many of which have been supported through external instruments. He highlighted the Cross-Cutting Justice Strategy of the Ministry of Justice as a cornerstone of their work, showcasing a particular focus on civil society. Notably, the Ministry has received 600 comments during public consultations, including 300 contributions from civil society, which they are proud to have incorporated into their materials. The Strategy revolves around rule of law, good governance, and an agenda, underscoring the critical importance of cooperation and agility in their approach. Commenting on the role of the platform, Mr. Dobi remarked that it is essential to address important chapters not just at a macro level but also on a micro level, where discussions and relationships can bring depth and understanding. He added that platforms like these are crucial for empowering stakeholders and emphasizing the importance of these topics for all interested parties, ensuring inclusivity and engagement. Mr. Dobi underscored the importance of close collaboration with the Ministry of Interior at all levels, aiming to establish a long-term, well-functioning institutional framework. Stressing that justice and the rule of law are the backbone of any democracy, he called for these principles to remain steadfast in Albania’s path to EU integration. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure) and the Ministry of Finance in these collective efforts, showcasing a unified approach to achieving sustainable reforms.

Mr. Gledis Gjipali emphasized the importance of focusing on civil society, highlighting the need to both increase and monitor its activity to ensure meaningful participation in the reform process. He stressed the value of establishing a climate of trust to support the successful implementation of policies and foster productive collaborations between institutions and civil society. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Justice’s efforts, expressing gratitude for their work in strengthening cooperation both nationally and regionally, which plays a vital role in Albania’s EU integration journey.

Mr. Besfort Lamallari, Deputy Minister of Interior of Albania, emphasized the significant efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Interior and its unwavering commitment to continuous progress. Lamallari’s speech carried a strong message about the government’s duty of putting the citizens first, especially the youth. He expressed his gratitude towards his colleagues in the Ministry of Justice and the Public Procurement Agency, highlighting the close collaboration between these entities in driving forward Albania’s reforms. Mr. Lamallari’s remarks focused on the importance of citizens, particularly the youth, in fostering trust in governance and improving education. He outlined the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at drug prevention in schools, ensuring that young people are safeguarded from falling victim. He emphasized key efforts in the fight against organized crime and corruption, as well as addressing migration issues, noting how these align with Albania’s broader EU integration goals. Likewise, he stressed the benefits derived from EU funding and the importance of aligning with EU standards, with the ultimate aim of improving citizens’ living conditions to meet European standards.

Reflecting on the Third Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), Mr. Lamallari highlighted the notable judicial results, stating that the reforms aim to “throw away the concept of impunity” and build trust through tangible outcomes. He recalled Albania’s first negotiations in July 2022, which he described as a defining moment of recognition as part of Europe, showcasing the “magic of the moment” and the clarity of Albania’s EU direction. He also noted the unprecedented rhythm of progress with the second IGC occurring just two months later, a pace not seen in other accession processes. He underscored the significance of Cluster 6, stating that while no cluster is easy, Albania’s progress in this area was facilitated by its clear approximation with EU standards, including its swift alignment with EU sanctions on Russia. Additionally, he touched on Albania’s role in the fight against terrorism and the ambitious goals set during the Western Balkans Summit. Mr. Lamallari reiterated Albania’s commitment to fulfilling all obligations by 2027, marking one of the country’s highest commitments in its EU accession process. Stressing the critical need for tangible progress, he underscored the importance of delivering real, visible improvements in citizens’ everyday lives—initiatives that extend beyond rhetoric and provide substantial enrichment to their quality of life.

Ms. Reida Kashta, General Director of the Public Procurement Agency (PPA) of Albania, began her remarks by proudly outlining the agency’s significant progress in recent years addressing Chapter 5, referred to it as a “noisy” chapter due to its broad scope and the challenges it presents. She emphasized that the EU accession process is not simply a formal checkbox exercise, but rather a transformative journey that has enabled Albania to self-diagnose and improve collectively over the past two years. She noted that while Albania’s legal framework holds up well compared to other EU countries, the challenge lies in the practical implementation of institutional measures. Nevertheless, Albania’s regional measures also compare favourably to those of other Western Balkan countries, showing significant progress and alignment. Ms. Kashta remarked that there is no “magic button” for resolving these challenges, highlighting the importance of cooperation as a foundation for success. She eloquently described public procurement as a mirror reflecting the state and society in its entirety, underscoring that drafting laws requires reflection, order, and integrity in implementation. Cooperation among civil society, state institutions, and other stakeholders is essential to ensure fair judgment and avoid prejudice in the process. While for Chapter 5, the EU has not provided interim benchmarks to be fulfilled, Ms. Kashta emphasized that continuous effort and progress are vital for long-term success. She commended the improvements in GPA (Government Procurement Agreement) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) alignment, which have enhanced the efficiency of Albania’s overall processes. She stressed that public procurement is a reflection of society, a powerful statement underscoring the depth of the issue. Ms. Kashta emphasized that the many improvements already in place demonstrate their determination to overcome corruption. However, she also called for a societal shift, asserting that systemic change is essential to address these deep-rooted issues. She concluded by reaffirming that safeguarding a fair and just procurement system remains the PPA’s top priority, regardless of the obstacles ahead.

Panel 1: Advancing Rule of Law Reforms in the Western Balkans: Perspectives on EU Integration and the Role of Civil Society

Moderator: Mr. Erjon Tase, Executive Director, Academy of Political Studies

The first panel centred on the Rule of Law as a cornerstone for EU integration, emphasizing the EU’s mechanisms for strengthening it in the region, such as the New Enlargement Methodology, the New Growth Plan, and the Rule of Law Report. Discussions highlighted the importance of fostering cooperation and dialogue between public institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs), drawing on best practices and challenges from regional initiatives like the NCEU in Serbia, NCEU in North Macedonia, and NCEI in Albania. The panel also underscored the vital role of CSOs in decision-making and in monitoring public policies throughout the EU integration process.

The moderator, Mr. Erjon Tase, opened the discussion by emphasizing that the Rule of Law chapters are not only critical but also among the most challenging aspects of Albania’s EU accession journey. He stressed that any stagnation or even the slightest decline in progress would have far-reaching and detrimental consequences for the country’s path toward integration.

So to begin this discussion, Mr. Tase welcomed Mr. Tomáš Strážay, Director of the Research Center of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association (SFPA), to start the panel. Mr.Strážay highlighted the critical role of civil society in combating corruption and fostering accountability within the EU integration process. He emphasized that civil society’s active engagement, particularly in offering constructive criticism, is indispensable for ensuring the sustainability and credibility of reforms. Without such participation, he argued, reforms lack tangibility and risk faltering. Addressing the geopolitical impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Strážay noted the war’s profound effect on EU dynamics, citing the candidacies of Ukraine and Moldova as clear examples of this shift. However, he also pointed to the vulnerabilities this process reveals, particularly in the context of Georgia, where the government’s stance has raised questions about the fragility of EU aspirations. Strážay stressed that accession is not the culmination of reform efforts, but rather their true beginning. Upholding core values—justice, integrity, freedom of the media, and the accountability of institutions—remains an ongoing responsibility for both member states and candidate countries. A shared vision among member and candidate states alike, he suggested, is essential for safeguarding democratic principles. In a striking acknowledgment, Strážay remarked on the lessons EU member states can learn from Albania and other Western Balkan countries, particularly in navigating rule of law challenges and maintaining the integrity of the accession process. This reciprocal perspective, he suggested, could enrich both current member states and aspiring candidates on their shared European journey. In response, Mr. Erjon Tase responded to Strážay’s call to action, emphasizing the urgency of seizing the moment for EU accession: “We should not miss the train to the EU.” This remark set the stage for the next speaker, underscoring the pivotal timing of reforms and the unique opportunities currently facing the Western Balkans.

Mr. Nikola Jazadziski, Secretary of the European Movement in North Macedonia, underscored the intrinsic value of rule of law reforms, asserting that they must first serve the domestic needs of the people, rather than being viewed solely as an obligation for EU accession. This perspective, he argued, ensures reforms are rooted in societal benefit and sustainability. Jazadziski provided an optimistic account of governmental working groups in North Macedonia, where unity and a strong work ethic prevail despite political differences. However, he contrasted this with the deep societal polarisation stemming from high-profile corruption scandals, notably a criminal court case where those accused were controversially acquitted. This incident, widely covered by the media and highlighted in the 2024 EU report on North Macedonia, was deemed unacceptable and indicative of systemic flaws in the judicial process. To address such challenges, Jazadziski emphasized the need for increased funding and resources, particularly to support the future of North Macedonia’s youth. He advocated for reforms that would create a country where young people see opportunity and prosperity, rather than seeking to leave for any job opportunity abroad. His call to “make North Macedonia a better place to live” resonated as both a critique of current conditions and a vision for the future. He concluded with a powerful statement about the universality of justice: “Politics may be for high officials, but law is for every citizen.” This remark highlighted the need for equitable and transparent legal systems that serve the broader population, reinforcing the panel’s emphasis on civil society’s essential role in reform.

Ms. Mona Xhexhaj, Executive Director of the Academy of European Integration and Negotiations in Albania (AIEN), underlined the importance of monitoring mechanisms not only for candidate states but also for EU member states. She stressed that the successful implementation of the Growth Plan hinges on adherence to core principles such as the rule of law, democracy, and the protection of human rights. Xhexhaj called for greater inclusivity in the EU integration process by involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including civil society, media, academia, and think tanks. While she highlighted that from 33 Discussion and Consultation Roundtables, dedicated to each of EU acquis chapters, within the Partnership Platform for European Integration, only 29 are currently established, and some of these roundtables of the PPEI are not achieving substantial progress. To address this, she advocated for increased participation from economic investors and businesses, arguing that their involvement is critical for fostering meaningful cooperation and generating impactful outcomes. Elaborating on the dynamics of these working groups, Xhexhaj explained that tangible results often emerge when ministers, organizations, civil society, and donors collaborate. To enhance the effectiveness of such initiatives, she suggested encouraging donor involvement to support the platforms’ functionality. Furthermore, she proposed the formation of coalitions among organizations to create monitoring councils focused on key areas like the Growth Plan and anti-corruption efforts. Her advocacy for “joint work in consulting tables” underscored the panel’s overarching theme: that inclusive, cooperative frameworks are essential for advancing reforms and achieving sustainable progress in the Western Balkans.

Ms. Nirvana Deliu, Policy Researcher at the European Movement in Albania, highlighted the dual nature of EU accession as both a benefit and an obligation. She emphasized that the process compels candidate countries to adopt better policies that ultimately serve the interests of their citizens. For Deliu, the pursuit of EU membership is not just a goal but an opportunity to drive meaningful reforms and enhance governance for the public good. She brought forth the many projects, Working Groups and previous Plenary Sessions as good and important examples of regional cooperation. Where the involvement of the local government and Civil Societies were a crucial matter and goal, in order to reach the NCEI’s fullest potential. Deliu also noted the various platforms for these exchanges and discussions, making sure to elaborate how well and vital an interregional cooperation is not only to the benefit of governmental institutions and CSO, but more necessary for the public.

Discussion with the participants:

During the discussion, an interesting question was raised on the matter of furthering awareness in rural areas, and how the EU has slacked in this area and how to properly inform them of the ongoing EU accession negotiations. They explained that beautiful words are not enough and that real actions are needed, so that the citizens see the results delivered in real life, as a lot of time has already passed. In response, the Moderator, Mr. Erjon Tase, encouraged the participants not to let the years discourage the people from the end goal, progress has been made and will continue. In response to the question, Mr. Tomáš Strážay, reiterated the fact that the road to accession is just a path for stability and prosperity, so the Rule of Law and fiscal/ financial mechanics are indeed fundamentals in all senses, be it via the EU Ascension criteria as for a functioning democracy. He agreed with the notion that the EU Delegation needs to do more rural “fieldwork” in order to promote and educate about the accession process in these areas, as the focus has been primarily limited to urbanised areas. To show the importance of such works, he gave his own country Slovakia as an example: with the neglect of the rural areas, they are more exposed to disinformation and foreign influence. It also mentioned the new laws in Slovakia about media protection and integrity. Mr. Erjon Tase, used the opportunity to add to Mr. Strážay’s point on media that Albania has a total of 18 broadcasting channels, which makes the chances of monopolies less likely and gives multiple information sources.

Panel 2: Progress on Chapters 23 and 24 – Shaping Judicial Reform, Anti-Corruption Efforts, and Human Rights in the WB

Moderator: Ms. Nirvana Deliu, Policy Researcher at EMA, Albania

The second panel focused on justice reform and the fight against corruption, exploring both achievements and lessons learned. Discussions centred on improving the quality, efficiency, and budget transparency of the judiciary, alongside strengthening the strategic and institutional framework to address high-level corruption. The panel emphasized the importance of establishing a solid track record in tackling corruption cases, organized crime, and money laundering, while prioritizing the protection of human rights, particularly for marginalized groups. Alignment with EU standards, effective border management, and addressing mixed migration flows through enhanced cooperation with EU bodies and Member States were also key points of discussion.

The moderator, Ms. Deliu drawing from her extensive knowledge as a policy researcher, emphasised how transparent budgeting pays a pivotal role for not only holding organisations accountable but to also foster trust among citizens, it is on this note that she invited Mr. Sami Neza, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Freedom of Information in Albania (CTFI), to shed light on the financial and structural challenges facing Albania’s judicial system amidst ongoing reforms. He noted that while significant changes have been implemented, such as the establishment of new institutions and vetting processes, these have led to widespread vacancies in the judiciary. For instance, the Appeal Court operates with only half the required number of judges, and the 72 judges who will eventually be appointed face delays due to procedural bottlenecks. Neza also highlighted the severe backlog of cases and the lack of adequate archival and storage facilities, with many district archives consolidated in Tirana due to insufficient infrastructure elsewhere. He pointed to Durrës as a stark example, where lawyers have lacked proper offices since 2016, and no funding has been allocated for new court premises. In contrast, he noted that specialized institutions like SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure), KPK (Independent Qualification Commission), are comparatively better resourced. However, the disparity underscores the need for equitable budgeting across the judiciary. To address these systemic issues, Neza stressed the importance of stabilizing magistrates through better salaries and resources. He called on the national assembly to prioritize reforms that include doubling the number of judges in criminal courts, increasing salaries in the High Court, and ensuring that budgets serve the citizens’ interests. As he succinctly put it: “The budget should be in favour of the citizens”.

Ms. Deliu, reiterated the fact that transparency is key and internal cooperation with Ministries on many platforms, plays a significant role, bringing in the next panellist Ms. Suela Jahaj, Director for Integration, Coordination, Agreements, and Assistance at Albania’s Ministry of Interior, focused on recent improvements within the Ministry of Interior and Justice. She highlighted progress in benchmarks related to organized crime, money laundering, and financial investigations, with the latter now supported by a dedicated office. Looking ahead, Jahaj outlined key developments planned for 2025, including the implementation of the Assets and Recovery Office law to better regulate the seizure of assets, which currently falls under the jurisdiction of the police department. Additionally, a drug observatory under the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is set to become operational within the same timeframe. On drug-related issues, Jahaj emphasized the establishment of a national system for early information and prevention managed by the state police, which will oversee the confiscation and destruction of illicit substances. These initiatives, she explained, aim to enhance Albania’s ability to meet EU standards in combating organized crime and ensuring financial credibility.

Ms. Deliu, acknowledged the work of the Ministry and the need for preventative actions, especially when it comes to the youth and broader sense of regional collaboration on the fields of organized crime, bringing in the next panellist for an example in Serbia for the judicial situation is Mr. Stefan Gojković, President of the Association of Judge Assistants in Serbia, spoke about the pressing challenges facing Serbia’s judiciary, particularly in the context of Chapter 23 reforms. He stressed the need to restore citizens’ trust in the judicial system, noting that the most recent EU report on Serbia highlighted the administrative court as having the lowest efficiency among judicial bodies. Gojković warned, “What is crooked now, time won’t fix,” underlining the urgency of structural reform. He detailed the struggles faced by judicial assistants, including inadequate pay, poor working conditions, and a lack of healthcare and labour law protections. These issues, compounded by systemic nepotism, have led to widespread dissatisfaction and protests among law students and young professionals. Gojković highlighted how the lack of proper incentives and career prospects makes it increasingly difficult to attract and retain young talent in the judicial field. He also criticized the exclusion of his association from legislative discussions, emphasizing that comprehensive reform requires input from all stakeholders. Gojković concluded by pointing out that without addressing these systemic issues, including the poor conditions at the Academy of Justice, Serbia risks perpetuating a cycle of disengagement and inefficiency in its judicial sector.

Relying on that sombre note, Ms. Deliu that Albania thankfully does not have such problems in the judicial sector, however the overall discontent of the youth and students is a similar issue in Albania.  To speak on the matters of corruption, the next panellist Mr. Muhamed Halili, Co-chair of the National Convention of the European Union in North Macedonia, addressed the pervasive issue of corruption within the country, was introduced. Mr. Halili emphasized that it often involves high-ranking officials. He called for more effective investigations, the confiscation of illicitly gained assets, and a steadfast commitment to integrity. Without these measures, he cautioned, “everything is for nothing,” as the foundations for accountability would remain weak. Halili highlighted the challenge of maintaining public trust and enthusiasm for the EU integration process, particularly given North Macedonia’s prolonged journey toward accession. He acknowledged that sustaining persistence and hope among citizens is becoming increasingly difficult, underscoring the need for visible progress to restore confidence in the country’s path forward.

The problem of corruption and the will of perseverance was something Ms. Deliu resonated with and took North Macedonia as an example of sad tenacity to keep moving forward with the goal of EU membership. To address the ever important and relevant topic of border management and migration, Ms. Deliu brought in Mr. Geron Kamberi, Expert for Chapter 24 on Justice, Freedom, and Security in Albania, discussed the complex dynamics of migration, emphasizing its politicization. He highlighted the current trend of Albanians seeking asylum in EU countries but pointed out a potential reversal post-accession. Once Albania becomes an EU member, it will likely transform into a destination for asylum seekers and serve as an outer border for EU migration control. Kamberi noted Albania’s efforts to prepare for this transition, including collaborations such as the migration pact with Italy. However, he stressed the need to improve facilities to ensure humane and effective asylum processes and to educate the public on Albania’s future role as a migration hub. He also mentioned initiatives by Albanian universities to expand programs in foreign languages to attract international students, signalling the country’s broader commitment to becoming a more globally integrated and welcoming nation.

Discussion with the participants were focused on the prevalence of types of cybercrime and the methods the government is addressing them. It was highlighted that development and implementation of a comprehensive legislative and operational package to combat cybercrime effectively is on focus of the Ministry of Interior, and this package includes frameworks to address various cyber threats such as online fraud, identity theft, hacking, and the misuse of personal data. By addressing the multifaceted nature of cybercrime through these initiatives, the Ministry aims to create a safer digital environment for citizens while fulfilling its EU integration commitments.

 

Panel 3: Strengthening Governance for EU Integration: Public Procurement, Statistics, and Financial Control in the WB

Moderator: Ms. Ermelinda Muçaj, Project Officer, European Movement Albania

The third panel focused on other key areas critical to Albania’s EU integration process included in Cluster 1 of Fundamentals. Discussions revolved around preventing corruption in public procurement by enhancing competition, ensuring compliance, and fostering professionalization. The panel also addressed the primary challenges facing the statistical framework, emphasizing the importance of aligning with EU principles. Additionally, topics included strengthening the quality of internal and external audits, and building institutional and legal capacities. Best practices from the region were highlighted as valuable benchmarks for addressing these challenges effectively.

The moderator, Ms. Ermelinda Muçaj began the panel by emphasising the importance of Cluster I, as not only a factual necessity for democracy but as its core values are integral for a well-functioning society. Especially when it comes to the areas of Public Procurement, Statistics and Financial Control. Recalling the past collaborations and works of in the region and the various Working Groups with the relevant Agencies inland, Ms. Muçaj outlined the active work and commitments to enhance and foster the necessities for a fair, competitive and professional Procurement. On that note, the moderator turned to Ms. Xhoana Ristani, Director of the Directorate of Implementation of Strategic Policies and Integration at Albania’s Public Procurement Agency, highlighted the agency’s efforts in combating corruption through enhanced auditing and tracking mechanisms. She emphasized the collaboration with international organizations such as JAEC (Italian group) and the OECD to develop methodologies for identifying risk areas in public procurement. Ristani noted the progress in finalizing shared guidelines, which are currently undergoing testing and implementation through trainings. The Public Procurement Agency is also prioritising the certification of staff to ensure they are equipped to uphold transparency and integrity in procurement processes. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening accountability and reducing vulnerabilities to corruption in public expenditure management.

Ms. Muçaj, restated how important it is to train and certify staff in order to uphold good standards and values, specifically when it comes to curbing corruption and malpractice.

Ms. Aneta Daneva Mostrova, an international expert on public procurement and attorney from North Macedonia, addressed the critical role of the Public Procurement Bureau within the Ministry of Finance. She emphasized that public procurement remains one of the largest sources of corruption in the region. The bureau, whose members are elected by parliament, is tasked with overseeing education and electronic procurement processes, but the system remains vulnerable to abuse. Daneva Mostrova highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and advocated for open, non-discriminatory procedures to mitigate corruption risks. She underscored the need for transparent and equitable practices to restore trust and strengthen the integrity of public procurement systems across the region.

Ms. Elona Sevrani, Director of the General Directorate of Statistical Production at INSTAT Albania, emphasized the alignment of Albania’s statistical systems with EU standards, which received moderate to good evaluations in the latest EU report. However, she underscored the importance of further developing STEM and scientific fields to enhance Albania’s statistical capabilities. Sevrani called for stronger collaboration with civil society and government ministries to improve data collection and analysis outcomes. She highlighted INSTAT’s ongoing cooperation with numerous civil society groups to gather intelligence and ensure inclusivity in their processes. Additionally, she stressed the institute’s strict adherence to established methodologies to maintain the accuracy and credibility of their statistical outputs pertaining to different classifications and indicators.

Discussion with the participants were focused on the work methodology of INSTAT and its alignment with the EU standards. It was emphasized that INSTAT adheres to strict regulations and procedures to ensure the accuracy and quality of its data. These regulations are closely aligned with EU standards, enabling INSTAT to produce reliable and comparable statistical outputs that meet European requirements. She highlighted that this alignment is a continuous process, requiring rigorous adherence to established methodologies, regular updates to processes, and close collaboration with EU bodies to maintain consistency and credibility. By following these protocols, INSTAT ensures that the statistical data it produces not only supports Albania’s EU accession efforts but also enhances trust among stakeholders, including civil society, governmental institutions, and international partners. Furthermore, the participants highlighted the need to further cooperate regionally on tacking corruption in the public procurement sphere by also having a regional school or mechanism of cooperation.

Closing Panel: Key insights and path forward

Mr. Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of the European Movement Albania, concluded the session by expressing gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions. He emphasized the significance of such discussions, noting that they provide candidate states with a direct platform for dialogue with one another and the EU. These sessions also promote transparency by enabling civil society and key ministries to openly address the challenges and progress of the EU accession process.

Gjipali highlighted the importance of fostering continued collaboration and expanding avenues for dialogue, whether in Tirana, Skopje, or Belgrade. He expressed hope that the momentum generated by this session would inspire further productive exchanges to advance integration efforts in the Western Balkans.

 

* This plenary session takes place within the framework of the action “Building Partnership on Fundamentals: Empowering CSOs for the EU accession process”, with the financial support of the European Union – IPA Civil Society Facility 2021, which is implemented by the European Movement in Albania and in cooperation with the Academy of European Integration and Negotiations (AIEN), Slovak Foreign Policy Association (SFPA) and the Center for Transparency and Freedom of Information (CTFI).

*Additionally, the plenary session is co-organized as part of the “Regional Convention – Let the Justice Rule the Region”, implemented by the National Convention on the EU in Serbia, the European Movement in North Macedonia, and the European Movement Albania, with the support of the MATRA programme of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.