TIRANA, June 19 /ATA/High Inspector of Justice, Artur Metani, participated in the proceedings of the 46th Assembly of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ), held in Šibenik, Croatia.
Mandated by the European Network of Justice Inspection Services (RESIJ) to officially present the application for obtaining observer status with CEPEJ, Mr. Metani addressed the Assembly, highlighting the expertise and contribution that the Network has provided thus far in the field of justice inspection.
“In the capacity as the High Inspector of Justice of Albania, thanks to the continuous cooperation with the Council of Europe and CEPEJ since 2020, I have had the opportunity to become closely acquainted with the high level of expertise that this commission provides in various fields of the administration and evaluation of justice. At the same time, I believe that RESIJ can bring added value in a highly specific and specialized field within CEPEJ,” he stated.
Mr. Metani emphasized that the inspection services that constitute RESIJ, place at the center of their activity the evaluation of the functioning of courts and prosecution offices, the inspection of the professional activity of judges and prosecutors, as well as the identification of mechanisms that contribute to the integrity, efficiency, and quality of the judicial system. He noted that an efficient justice system cannot be assessed solely through statistics, productivity indicators, or the duration of judicial proceedings, because these indicators, although important, do not always succeed in revealing the real causes of problems affecting the functioning of the judiciary, nor do they fully reflect the quality of justice provided to citizens.
“In our respective countries, inspection structures play an irreplaceable role. They help identify systemic deficiencies, procedural delays, organizational challenges, and risks that may undermine the functioning of the judiciary. Particularly in countries undergoing profound reforms in the justice system, inspection services can play a key role in ensuring institutional stability, coherence, and the continuity of professional standards,” he declared.
During his speech, High Inspector of Justice also shared a personal moment related to the support that CEPEJ and the Council of Europe have provided to the institution he leads.
“The first contact of the Office of the High Inspector of Justice of Albania with RESIJ was made possible precisely thanks to the support of CEPEJ. In June 2021, CEPEJ facilitated the establishment of contact between the HIJ and the French Inspectorate, which at that time held the presidency of RESIJ, and also conveyed the HIJ’s interest in becoming part of this network,” he said.
Mr. Metani recalled that in December 2021 RESIJ admitted the HIJ with observer status, while in October 2023, recognizing Albania’s active engagement and contribution within the framework of the network, it granted the High Inspector of Justice the status of a full member with full rights.
“Today I stand before you on behalf of RESIJ and have the privilege of presenting before this Assembly the request to grant the European Network of Justice Inspection Services observer status with CEPEJ, with the conviction that this cooperation will bring added value to both institutions and to the European justice community as a whole,” said Mr. Metani.
RESIJ’s application for obtaining observer status was unanimously approved by the 46th Assembly of CEPEJ.
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