TIRANA, Jan 12 /ATA/ – The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, on Monday emphasized the need to increase the number of judges, prosecutors and legal staff to improve the quality of justice.
Speaking at a conference titled “The Quality of Justice in Albania,” EU Ambassador noted that heavy case backlogs and staff shortages are weakening court decisions.
Gonzato said an effective justice system lay at the heart of Albania’s bid for EU membership and was a key priority of his mandate.
“Today’s conference sets the tone for the year ahead, with a focus on the rule of law, the consolidation of justice reform and support for all justice institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court,” Gonzato said.
The EU Ambassador underlined “it is not easy for Albanian judges to deal with the large and increasing backlog of cases, while at the same time ensuring a high quality of justice.”
According to Gonzato, the volume of pending cases represents a serious burden for judges and prosecutors, with a direct impact on the quality of rulings.
He said Albania needed more judges and prosecutors, supported by a sufficient number of legal advisers and assistants, to ensure sound legal research and the effective application of European Union law.
“As a first step, all vacant positions must be filled. The councils should proceed swiftly with the necessary evaluations and appointments. There is no time to lose,” Gonzato said, adding that staffing levels should be increased where needed to better support judges in their daily work.
Ambassador Gonzato also highlighted the role of legal advisers as essential to improving judicial reasoning and aligning court practice with EU legislation.
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