The event brought together around 30 representatives of justice institutions, including judges, prosecutors, lawyers, law enforcement bodies, prison directorate and probation services.

The roundtable provided a platform for participants to exchange views on the current use of pre-trial detention in Albania, discuss practical challenges in applying non-custodial measures and identify opportunities for strengthening their use in line with European and international human rights standards.

Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that deprivation of liberty before trial is used only when necessary and proportionate, while effective alternatives are considered in individual cases.

Opening the event, Head of the OSCE Presence Ambassador Michel Tarran said: “Reducing the number of court decisions on pre-trial detention is not about being softer on crime. It is about ensuring that measures are necessary, proportionate and effective. Public safety and human rights are not competing objectives. A justice system that uses detention carefully, explains its decisions clearly and makes effective use of alternatives can strengthen both.”

Head of Council of Europe Office in Tirana Giulia Re, Deputy Minister of Justice Elona Hoxha, General Director of Prisons Adriatik Kupi and Probation Service Director of Inspection Eriant Kulluri also addressed the roundtable.

Participants examined practical issues related to judicial decision-making, risk assessment, supervision and co-operation among courts, prosecutors, probation services and other relevant institutions.

Particular attention was given to the link between the use of pre-trial detention and prison overcrowding. Limiting unnecessary or prolonged pre-trial detention and making greater use of appropriate non-custodial measures can contribute to reducing pressure on detention facilities, while supporting the effective administration of justice and respect for the presumption of innocence.

The exchange underscored the need for a change in judicial culture, continued professional development, consistent judicial reasoning and stronger inter-institutional co-operation to ensure that alternatives to pre-trial detention are applied effectively.

The roundtable forms part of ongoing efforts and support provided by the OSCE Presence in Albania to strengthen the rule of law, protect the right to liberty and security, and support a criminal justice system that makes proportionate and effective use of detention and non-custodial measures.

The OSCE Presence remains committed to supporting Albanian institutions through judicial training, penitentiary reform, strengthening probation services and promoting alternatives to custody.

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During the meeting, Sejko emphasized that the Bank of Albania is advancing with TIPS technical requirements, supported by strong participation from the banking sector, with deployment planned in stages.

He underlined the significance of regional cooperation and the development of support services, with the aim of increasing interoperability and benefits from instant payment systems.

“These developments are essential for modernizing payment infrastructures and driving the shift towards a cashless society”, said Governor Sejko. /e.xh/j.p/p.s./

During the meeting, the participants discussed on ways to draft a support program for Albanian entrepreneurship, in the framework of preparation for integration into the European Union. In this context, there were examined the standards required by the EU market and the measures that need to be taken to help Albanian businesses.

Ibrahimaj also highlighted the work done on the new ‘Made in Albania’ draft law, designed to boost domestic production, uphold quality standards and strengthen the market position of the local goods.

“This is a pivotal moment to forge a stronger partnership with the business sector to make the Albanian manufacturing sector ‘EU-ready’ and competitive”, said the minister. /a.f/p.s./

Attending the meeting were representatives of government institutions, embassies, the country’s main hotels and vocational schools gathered to discuss how Albanian gastronomy can be not only part of cultural identity, but also a strong bridge of international cooperation and promotion.

Also present at the roundtable was Guillaume Gomez, an iconic figure in French gastronomy, Head chef at the Elysée Palace for 25 years, president of Groupe Gastronomie decorated with the prestigious award of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”.

He praised the art of Albanian cooking and emphasized its potential as a delicate and efficient instrument of modern diplomacy, comparing cuisine to a universal language that unites people across traditions and borders.

On her part, AIDA Director Laura Plaku Saro said that this roundtable is a clear evidence that the Albanian culinary tradition is not limited only to the taste of recipes, but also extends to the field of diplomacy, improving the image of the country through culture and hospitality.

The discussions during the roundtable also focused on the need to promote healthy food and local products, to use gastronomy as a diplomatic tool, to improve quality tourism and vocational education that shapes the next generation of chefs and tourism specialists.

Amidst the aromas of traditional recipes and innovative ideas, there was reiterated the fact that Albanian cuisine is much more than a collection of flavors: it is art, culture, identity and a powerful passport that takes Albania’s history to the international stage.

Later on, Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) and Albchef organized in Tirana a special evening dedicated to Albanian gastronomy, where taste, aroma and art came together to tell a common story of our culture and tradition.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, Ambassador of France Catherine Suard, the most famous chefs of Albanian cuisine and other guests were guests to this special event.

AIDA CEO Saro appreciated, “This evening a meeting point of cultures and a new dialogue for Albanian gastronomy”.

The atmosphere of the evening was enriched by ballet performance, creating a beautiful combination between the artistic movement and Albanian tradition. The table had selected Albanian wines and the characteristic dishes of the country, which gave the evening a strong identity and presence that speaks to the world with pride.

Saro emphasized that this was just the beginning of a long journey of collaboration with local chefs, wineries and producers, to further promote Albanian gastronomy and its unique values ​​internationally. An evening where Albania was shown in its best light, combining hospitality, taste and art in an unforgettable experience.

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The event, titled “Women Leaders Breakfast” and held at the Business House in Tirana’s Pyramid complex, brought together women leaders from various sectors to discuss opportunities and challenges facing women in business.

The roundtable provided a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences between entrepreneurs and industry experts, encouraging dialogue on how to strengthen women’s participation in the Albanian economy.

Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Blerta Rama underlined the ministry’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and supporting women in building and developing their businesses through sustainable policies and assistance programmes.

Jovana Tufegdzic, Senior Corporate Communications Manager for Visa in Southeast Europe, highlighted the importance of the “She’s Next” initiative, which has supported more than 13,000 women entrepreneurs across the Balkans by offering financing opportunities, professional mentorship and networking.

Fabiola Duro, founder of INNVEST, said women’s economic empowerment was essential for Albania’s sustainable development, helping create jobs and boosting sectors such as agribusiness and tourism, where women are heavily engaged.

The discussions also stressed the importance of networks, access to professional guidance and tailored financial tools for women-led businesses.

A key moment of the event was the announcement of PressShield – a startup developing digital-security tools for journalists – as the winner of the 2025 “She’s Next” Hackathon.

Participants highlighted several priorities for strengthening women-led businesses in Albania, including improved access to finance, digitalisation and digital skills, professional support, international networking and dedicated structures to help companies scale up.

They also underscored the need for close cooperation between the public and private sectors to tackle structural barriers limiting the growth of women-owned enterprises and to expand equal opportunities.

The roundtable was viewed as an important step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs in Albania, at a time when women’s economic empowerment is seen as key to sustainable growth and community development.

Around 30% of active businesses in Albania are owned or managed by women, particularly in tourism, services, agribusiness and creative industries. Women-led firms are mostly micro or small, reflecting structural constraints, and only 11% have access to formal credit. Women’s labour force participation stands at about 53.5%.

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In his speech, Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja said that there are planned about 25 public consultation rounds for the draft of the new Criminal Code.

Manja also emphasized the role of the Ministry of Justice in this process, which has been the one that commissioned the compilation of the new draft of the country’s Criminal Code.

“Since July 25th until now, there have been many comments, analyses, debates, discussions, but also concerns about specific technical aspects of the draft itself, but also of the process and the role of the Ministry of Justice in this process.

“We have kept notes of all the comments, analyses, suggestions, concerns, but for the sake of truth, from the moment of publication of the draft on the website of the Ministry of Justice, so far, there have been received a very small number of comments and there are several civil society organizations that have requested to be part of the public consultation and wish to participate in the discussions.

“The role of the Ministry of Justice in this process is that of the commissioner of the draft of the new Criminal Code of the Republic of Albania. The Ministry of Justice, on behalf of the Albanian government, commissioned this draft while fulfilling our obligations within the framework of the intersectoral justice strategy, but also the negotiation process with the EU”, said Manja.

The minister added that Albania will have a new Criminal Code only after Brussels gives its seal of approval on it.

“Albania will have a new Criminal Code only after a broad process of internal public consultations and only after Brussels sets gives its seal of approval on it, because Albania has a clear destination, to end negotiations within 2027 and Albania’s membership in the EU within 2030, and of course, this code will be an equivalent code as all modern criminal codes of the EU are. /r.e/p.s./

He said that it is high time for Albania to meet all the criteria required by the EU to guarantee freedom of expression.

Some of the recommendations require legal changes, some of which will be presented to the Parliament by civil society before its meeting in September.

The freedom of expression and the media is one of the important points of Albania’s negotiations with the European Union.

Ambassador Gonzato stressed the importance of adapting to the standards required by the EU.

“Albania has undertaken to meet the criteria for the negotiations in an ambitious manner, in a very short time, in 2027, so we have no time to lose. Of course, speed cannot compromise transparency and inclusiveness,” said Gonzato.

The engagement of all parties is seen as a key factor in fulfilling the EU criteria.

“This plenary session today is not only to discuss the findings, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities we have. These are all very complex issues and require continuous engagement from all parties”, said Giulia Re, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana.

By July, the recommendations will be sent to the Parliament. This first phase of reforms is an initiative of the EU Representation in Albania, carried out by the Council of Europe and the Department of Journalism, at the Faculty of History and Philology (University of Tirana). /gj.m//r.e//a.f/p.s./

Skënder Gjinushi, the Head of the Albanian Academy of Sciences, highlighted the event’s timing amid the completion of the major four-volume work “History of the Albanians,” with two of its first volumes already published.

He praised the scholars involved, noting the importance of presenting history impartially amid ongoing debates.

Professor Paskal Milo, head of the History Commission, addressed key challenges including the politicization of history, selective use of sources, distortion of historical narratives, and difficulties accessing archival materials due to censorship and delayed declassification.

Milo also discussed the balance between global and national history, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, and the reevaluation of historical figures through modern ethical standards.

Professor Ferit Duka reviewed historiography during communist and post-communist eras, noting political instrumentalization of history and the rise of amateur historians influencing public discourse. He emphasized the need for professional historians resilient to external pressures.

Professor Arben Cici focused on “historical apathy” among youth, exacerbated by social media and technology, proposing curriculum reform, critical thinking approaches, and immersive digital tools to engage younger generations.

The session concluded with a lively discussion on preserving historical integrity and fostering collective memory in Albania.

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The topic of this roundtable was “The Autism Spectrum and Current Problems Related to It in Albania”.

Chairman of the Committee, acad. Genc Sulçebe, emphasized the significance of this growing problem and the need for a multidisciplinary and coordinated treatment.

The initiative for this event was proposed by prof. Albana Fico, who emphasized the significance of early intervention and coordination of work between different specialists for the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

During this meeting, there was emphasized the lack of standardized protocols for diagnosis and treatment; the need for equipment with modern assessment instruments such as ADOS; and the need to develop specialized rehabilitation protocols in various fields: speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, special education, group therapy and occupational therapy.

In Albania, there may be over 6,000 to 14,000 children suffering of autism, while the state system identifies only about 2,500 cases. Families spend about 40 million euros per year outside the public system on therapy and support services, while many mothers quit job to take care for children.

Expenditures for therapy and support teachers reach an average of 10,000 euros per family per year.

The Academy of Sciences announced through an online post that it will continue to promote science and professional debate on topics with high health and social impact. /j.p/p.s./

“This is why the EU has supported the vetting process since the beginning and will continue to do so until its completion”, said Gonzato at the roundtable organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Albanian Helsinki Committee.

Ambassador Silvio Gonzato joined the discussions around the legacy of the vetting system put in place by the 2016 justice reform.

Gonzato stressed that, accountability and independence are at the heart of any democratic society governed by the rule of law. /j.p/p.s./