Albanian prison authorities are committed to ensure the long-term use of newly developed tools for violent extremist offenders and adopt the necessary legislative framework for their application across the penitentiary and probation systems. This commitment was emphasized during recent discussions between Predrag Šofranac, Programme Manager of the EU/Council of Europe joint Regional Action “Enhancing co-operation in the Western Balkans in managing violent extremism in prisons and preventing further radicalisation after release” and main beneficiaries in Albania - Klevis Qose, Director of the General Directorate of Prison Administration and Eris Sheshi, Director of the Probation Service.

The meetings focused on strengthening violent extremist offenders’ (VEOs) rehabilitation and reintegration within Albania’s prison and probation systems. Partners discussed the progress achieved thus far, addressing future activities in Albania and regionally. The meeting tackled challenges and needs of the Albanian penitentiary and probation systems, as well as areas where further support from the Council of Europe would be essential to advancing rehabilitation and reintegration of VEOs.

The participants valued the successful co-operation with the Council of Europe, reiterating their commitment to further invest towards effective rehabilitation and reintegration of VEOs as well as acknowledged their role in contributing towards safe and secure society.

This initiative is part of the regional action “Enhancing co-operation in the Western Balkans in managing violent extremism in prisons and preventing further radicalisation after release” under auspices of the third phase of the joint EU and Council of Europe Horizontal Facility III programme.