OSCE Presence launches EU-funded project on trial monitoring of cases of corruption and organized crime in Albania

On 2 July 2021, the OSCE Presence in Albania, in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, organized a kick-off event with civil society organizations introducing a European Commission funded project titled “Supporting a more effective administration of justice in corruption and organized crime cases in Albania through trial monitoring”.

The three-year project will support Albania’s judges and prosecutors in establishing a solid track record in processing cases of corruption, in line with international standards.

Under this project, the Presence will monitor selected court cases in line with the OSCE/ODIHR trial monitoring methodology tailored for this project, and supporting the implementation of proposed policy measures by relevant stakeholders. Through a close co-operation with civil society and media, the project will highlight the relevance of monitoring the performance of judges and prosecutors in processing cases of corruption and organized crime, and raise awareness among citizens.

This project is part of a broader regional project implemented by the OSCE that focuses on supporting a more effective administration of justice with regard to serious corruption and organized crime cases in the Western Balkans.

During the event, representatives of the EU Delegation and of the Presence reiterated the crucial role that civil society and media play in raising awareness among citizens on judicial response to organized crime and corruption, and expressed their continued commitment to further advancing the rule of law in Albania.