26 september 2025
The regional conference “Justice Inspection Services and the challenges of integration” concluded today in Tirana with the joint position of delegations from Belgrade, Podgorica, Pristina, Sarajevo, Skopje and Tirana that the quality and efficiency of justice are non-negotiable criteria for the progress of countries in strengthening the rule of law. The delegations also underlined that communication, exchange of experiences, and the sharing of professional dilemmas serve to reinforce their role in safeguarding the integrity of the justice system and public trust, as well as in advancing the European Union integration process.
Presenting the conclusions of the two-day conference, the High Inspector of Justice stated among other things: “From this conference I will take away several personal and professional reflections.
First, our challenge is not simply to win the trust of the public, but to build a justice system capable of generating legitimacy and self-confidence through quality, efficiency and transparency. The role of our institutions is more than just a profession, but a mission directly linked with the highest values of a country’s society: justice, the trust of citizens, and public responsibility. Second, we have more in common than we have differences, and this is the reason why regional cooperation is not only a wish or a matter of goodwill on our part, but I am certain it is a necessity. Only by exchanging experiences, organizing study visits, sharing best practices, and continuing such regular meetings can we reach standards comparable to those of the European Union.
This first experience, organized in Tirana, is clear proof that our regional cooperation has real potential to become a lasting tradition. We can continue this journey in other cities of the region, enriching it each time with new ideas, new experiences, and concrete results.”
The conference, which brought together justice institutions from six countries of the region in Tirana on 25–26 September 2025, was co-organized by the High Inspector of Justice and the OSCE Presence in Albania, in cooperation with the OSCE Missions in Belgrade, Podgorica, Pristina, Sarajevo and Skopje.
For two days, leaders and representatives of justice institutions from the region discussed three major themes: the principles and functioning of justice inspection institutions, their role in safeguarding democratic standards and promoting integrity, and their contribution in the context of the EU integration process.
PRESENTATION OF THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE CONFERENCE BY THE HIGH INSPECTOR OF JUSTICE, MR. ARTUR METANI
Dear colleagues,
We have reached the closing moment of this regional conference, which for two full days has engaged us in intensive discussions, professional reflections and the exchange of valuable experiences. I want to sincerely thank you all for your presence, your contributions, and the dedication you brought to this forum. Every discussion, every intervention, and every experience shared in this event has enriched the framework of ideas upon which we will continue to buildand perhaps also our future cooperation.
The agenda was intense and rich with topics that are truly essential to be addressed and debated. The three pillars on which we based this conference are not only important themes or issues related to the activity of our institutions; they are also key pillars for the functioning of democracy and the rule of law in our countries. We discussed the principles and functioning of institutions tasked with the inspection of the work of magistrates; their role in safeguarding democratic standards and promoting the integrity of magistrates; and the contribution that our inspection institutions provide both in the ongoing reform of the justice system and in the process of European Union integration.
From the discussions on the organization and functioning of inspection institutions, we learned that although each country has its own legal model, our institutions are very similar when it comes to the fundamental principles of their organization and operation. The independence and impartiality of our disciplinary institutions are undeniable guarantees for ensuring the integrity and credibility of the justice system. This is a clear message to our citizens that inspection bodies overseeing the work of magistrates are not simply control mechanisms; they are institutions that safeguard public trust and guarantee that justice is delivered on the basis of law, independence and impartiality.
In the second part, when we discussed the protection of democratic standards and integrity, it was underlined that the independence of magistrates is both a responsibility and a privilege. This was one of the strongest messages of this conference. An independent judiciary is not a privilege of magistrates, but a guarantee for citizens and for the democracy of a country. Independence must be balanced with accountability, which cannot be used as a tool of control or pressure over the activity of magistrates, but as an instrument to strengthen their responsibility and professionalism. This is a delicate challenge, but it is also the only path to building a justice system that is independent, with integrity, and accountable.
In the third part of the discussions, on the contribution of inspection institutions to the reform of the justice system and the process of European Union integration, it was emphasized that the quality and efficiency of justice are non-negotiable criteria for the progress of our countries on their path towards the wider European family. Reports of the European Union, but also of other international organizations, often highlight this fact: “An inefficient justice system is not only an obstacle to the course of European integration, but also an obstacle to the trust of citizens in their state.” This is the reason why our inspection institutions bear a dual responsibility, both to exercise oversight and to lead the way towards the continuous improvement of the standards of the rule of law and European integration.
From this conference I will take away several personal and professional reflections.
First, our challenge is not simply to win the trust of the public, but to build a justice system capable of generating legitimacy and self-confidence through quality, efficiency and transparency. The role of our institutions is more than just a profession, but a mission directly linked with the highest values of a country’s society: justice, the trust of citizens, and public responsibility. Second, we have more in common than we have differences, and this is the reason why regional cooperation is not only a wish or a matter of goodwill on our part, but I am certain it is a necessity. Only by exchanging experiences, organizing study visits, sharing best practices, and continuing such regular meetings can we reach standards comparable to those of the European Union.
This first experience, organized in Tirana, is clear proof that our regional cooperation has real potential to turn into a lasting tradition. We can continue this journey in other cities of the region, enriching it each time with new ideas, new experiences, and concrete results.
I cannot conclude these remarks without a few special words of thanks.
I wish to thank the OSCE Presence in Tirana, Ambassador Tarran, Mauro and his entire team, who supported the idea of the High Inspector of Justice and helped us bring this conference to life. I also thank the OSCE Missions in Belgrade, Podgorica, Pristina, Sarajevo and Skopje, who coordinated and ensured the participation of the delegations.
A heartfelt thanks to my colleagues at the HIJ, who worked with dedication, as well as to all participants who accepted the invitation and shared their experience with us. And a special thanks to the organizing teamMimoza from the Office of the High Inspector of Justice and Luljeta from the OSCE Presence in Albania, who worked tirelessly for months to make the organization of this conference possible.
Dear colleagues,
Today I am happy that we succeeded in gathering for the first time in such an event, and I am convinced that this is only the beginning of a new tradition. I hope that, beyond the intensive work, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a little of Tirana’s hospitality and the beauty of our country.
I wish you a safe journey back to your countries, and I am confident that very soon we will meet again to continue this cooperation that we have started together.
Thank you!
