In today's evolving media landscape, it is crucial for judges, prosecutors, and lawyers to gain and maintain an in-depth understanding of their role as regards freedom of expression and of the media. Knowledgeable legal professionals can in turn safeguard this fundamental right, ensuring that local court decisions align with European standards.

The European Union and the Council of Europe, in collaboration with the Albanian School of Magistrates, is enhancing the capacities of Albanian judges, prosecutors, and lawyers on freedom of expression. The first in a series of training sessions planned for the next three years was held on 14 June 2024 in Tirana.

The primary objective of the training was to deepen legal professionals’ understanding of the standards set by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) regarding freedom of expression and to ensure these standards are reflected in local court decisions.

Participants of the training had an opportunity to discuss the understanding of the standards of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) pertaining to freedom of expression and the jurisprudence of the ECtHR, as well as reviewing Albania's legal framework concerning freedom of expression and the media. Furthermore, states' positive obligations to protect journalists were covered by the training, as well as the limitations on freedom of expression. Finally, they were able to examine the landmark cases from both the ECtHR and local courts.

Participants also engaged in team analyses of recent anonymised cases, presenting their findings at the end of the training.

This activity was organised within the action on “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in Albania”, implemented by the Council of Europe Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression. Тhe action is part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.