TIRANA, June 29 /ATA/ EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato has urged newly appointed magistrates to carry out their duties with integrity, honesty, courage, and humility, stressing that every decision they make will have a direct impact on citizens’ lives and on public trust in the justice system.
In his speech at the National Conference on Interaction between the Justice System and the Media, held during the graduation ceremony of new magistrates, Gonzato reaffirmed the European Union’s support for the School of Magistrates and for the justice reform.
“My presence here reflects our support for the School of Magistrates and the importance it holds. Celebrations and ceremonies like this are moments of joy, but at the same time they mark an important transition in your professional lives,” he said.
The Ambassador underlined that the newly appointed judges and prosecutors will hold positions of high responsibility, but above all, they will provide a public service.
“Every decision you make will have an impact on citizens’ lives. It will also determine the trust they place in the justice system, which is fundamental to the social contract,” Gonzato said.
According to him, practicing the profession of judge and prosecutor requires integrity, honesty, courage, and humility.
“You must accept that sometimes your first idea may not be the right one. European standards are not achieved only through the adoption of laws, but also through the daily work of judges and prosecutors, because you will be the ones ensuring that the law is implemented,” he said.
Gonzato urged the magistrates to remain open-minded, continue learning, and exchange experiences with their Albanian and European colleagues.
“I believe it is important to remain open-minded and curious, to share experiences not only with your Albanian colleagues, but also with your European counterparts. Your school will remain your benchmark, but you must also be open to new experiences and knowledge,” the ambassador said.
In conclusion, he stressed that building institutions depends not only on laws and regulations, but also on changes in institutional culture and mindset.
“Institutions are not built only through laws and regulations. They also require a change in culture and mindset. I am still not convinced that this change has been fully achieved. It is in your hands, as the new generation of magistrates, to meet these expectations by ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely manner and with quality. The European Union will continue to support the School of Magistrates and the entire justice system in Albania,” Gonzato concluded.
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