Enhancing inter-institutional co-operation is key in the efforts to strengthen property rights and ensure a more effective execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments in Albania. This was highlighted during the 3rd Steering Committee Meeting of the D-REX III action, a joint initiative of the European Union and the Council of Europe, aimed at empowering Albanian citizens to seek and protect their property rights, and to guarantee that related European Court of Human Rights' (ECtHR) judgments are properly enforced. Held in a hybrid format, the meeting brought together senior representatives from the highest judiciary institutions, central government bodies, academia, and civil society to assess progress, exchange insights, and set priorities for the next phase of implementation.
Giulia Re, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Albania stated that:
"The D-REX III action is not just about legal frameworks; it is about real impact, ensuring that the right to property is protected and that ECtHR judgments lead to tangible improvements for the Albanian citizens. Our collective work strengthens the rule of law, enhances cooperation, and brings Albania closer to European standards."
Whereas Sokol Sadushi, President of the Supreme Court of Albania, mentioned that the ongoing and excellent cooperation between the Supreme Court of Albania and the D-REX III action has significantly strengthened the internal capacities of the institution. Sadushi further added that this synergy continues to be invaluable in aligning national practices with European standards and ensuring better protection of fundamental rights within the judicial system.
Discussions centred on three main priorities:
- Enhancing inter-institutional cooperation emphasising the need for stronger co-ordination between institutions to ensure a more consistent and efficient enforcement of European Court of Human Rights rulings.
- Aligning national legislation with European human rights standards. Stakeholders reviewed ongoing efforts to harmonise domestic laws with the European Convention on Human Rights and ensure their uniform application across institutions.
- Improving public awareness and legal education by recognizing the importance of accessible legal information. Discussions also explored ways and interventions to enhance citizens' understanding of property rights and how to claim them.
During 2024, the D-REX III action made significant progress in further assisting Albanian institutions align with ECtHR standards and improving access to justice and legal protections for Albanian citizens. It supported reforms to enhance judicial transparency and unification, trained judges and legal professionals, and provided expertise to strengthen institutional capacities. Also, public awareness efforts supported by the Action empowered hundreds of people, with the TLAS Helpline assisting over 300 individuals only for the last quarter of 2024, including those pertaining to Roma and Egyptian communities, and seeking access to their property rights. The action also played a key role in ensuring the effective execution of ECtHR judgments, reinforcing human rights protections and advancing Albania’s European integration. With a shared commitment to strengthening the rule of law, the action will continue to closely co-operate with government agencies, judicial institutions, and civil society to promote legal certainty, inter-institutional cooperation, and the timely execution of judgments.
This activity is organised in the framework of the Action “Improving the protection of the right to property and facilitating the execution of ECtHR judgments in Albania”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe under the Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye III programme.
