#Justice4Moldova Study Visit: Challenges and Lessons Learned from the Vetting Process in Albania
The Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), in partnership with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), within the #Justice4Moldova project, funded by the European Union and co-financed by the Soros Foundation Moldova, organized a study visit to Albania for 10 investigative journalists and representatives of civil society from the Republic of Moldova.
The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the participants with the rules and scope of the vetting process in Albania, the implementation of the verification mechanism, the institutions involved, and access to information, the challenges encountered, the lessons learned, as well as the results obtained and the perception of citizens following the evaluation of judges and prosecutors. As a result of the visit, the Moldovan participants gained valuable insights into Albania’s justice reform process, which will help inform their work in monitoring similar reforms in Moldova. The visit also facilitated networking and the exchange of best practices between investigative journalists and civil society representatives from both countries, enhancing regional cooperation in promoting judicial integrity.
On the first day, the participants attended a round table organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy and Governance, where they learned more about the role of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) and the Special Courts against Corruption and Organized Crime in Albania. There was also a discussion with international observers designated by the European Commission within the International Vetting Process Monitoring Operation.
On the second day, a series of meetings were held with representatives of investigative journalists’ organizations, who monitored Albania’s justice reform and vetting process. At the same time, the representatives from the Republic of Moldova met with members of the European Integration and Negotiations Academy, which aims to promote European values in Albania, based on the principles of respect for the rule of law and human rights.
The visit was organized within the project “Ensuring the integrity, efficiency and independence of the justice system in Moldova – #JustițiePentruMoldova, funded by the European Union and co-financed by Soros Foundation Moldova. This material was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of IPRE. The content of the material belongs to the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
