In a meeting with Mr Ilirjan Celibashi, State Election Commissioner of the Central Election Commission of Albania (CEC), Ms Jutta Gützkow Head of the Council of Europe Office (CoE) in Tirana, Mr Olsi Dekovi Deputy Head of the CoE Office in Tirana and Ms Liljana Kaci, Senior Project Officer in the Action against Economic Crime in Albania (AEC-AL) discussed the ongoing cooperation and the support that CoE provides to CEC through the joint EU/CoE Horizontal Facility - Action against Economic Crime in Albania. Mr Celibashi expressed in particular CEC’s strong commitment towards the continuing cooperation with the CoE/EU Horizontal Facility Action against Economic Crime and towards achieving the Action’s goals, highlighting the positive experience of CEC and the partnership forged with the Action throughout the activities conducted to date.

Following the adoption of the Law no.101/2020 “On some additions and amendments to law no 10 019, dated 29.12.2008 “On Electoral Code” the Central Election Commission was reorganised, and its functions redefined. AEC-AL contributed with recommendations on the changes to the Electoral Code.

The support of the Council of Europe to CEC will continue through provided assistance not only in the preparation of bylaws on the control and verification of political parties, candidates and election campaign funding, but also through systematic trainings which will be delivered to CEC staff, as well as to Civil Society Organisations and Media.