Over the past decade, the partnership between Albania, the European Union and the Council of Europe has translated ambition into action, delivering lasting change for institutions, professionals and communities. This co-operation under the “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” programme was highlighted at a regional conference yesterday in Tirana, recognising the achievements made in advancing rule of law, democracy and human rights.

The event was opened by Christophe Galand, Deputy Director, Western Balkans Directorate, Directorate General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood in the European Commission who underlined: “For ten years, the European union and Council of Europe programme Horizontal Facility has supported Beneficiary countries in advancing rule of law reforms and making progress on benchmarks under the enlargement process. In the next phase, we should maintain the same ambition, building on the achievements and lessons to deliver even more tangible impact in areas that are critical to advancing in the EU accession process.”

Claus Neukirch, Director of the Directorate of Programme Co-ordination in the Council of Europe reiterated that sustainable reforms are built through partnership, ownership and the ability of institutions to turn standards into everyday practice. “The achievements of the Horizontal Facility show the value of bringing European expertise together with the knowledge and priorities of local institutions. The next phase will build on this foundation and continue supporting sustainable reforms that make a tangible difference to people’s lives.", said Neukirch.

Ms Megi Fino, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania welcomed the participants and highlighted how the Horizontal Facility has provided tailor-made support directly targeting the benchmarks required for EU accession. “The Horizontal Facility has enabled us translate European monitoring findings into concrete domestic legal drafts, policy roadmaps and institutional capacities”, said Fino.

The meeting was concluded by the Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa - Head of the European Delegation in Tirana who said "Reform efforts must lead to actual change. Reforms cannot remain only on paper and must be properly implemented. What matters is that institutions function independently and effectively; that democratic checks and balances are real and robust; and that fundamental rights are genuinely respected and protected in practice, for everyone. And this is what citizens are expecting from us."

Across the region, the “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” programme, currently concluding its third phase, has supported key reforms designed to improve the functioning of justice systems, strengthen anti-corruption institutions, protect persons at risk of discrimination and promote media freedom.

In Albania, this partnership has helped make access to justice more practical and effective. Court proceedings are becoming more efficient, transparent and easier to navigate, supported by new digital tools. Clearer information and free legal advice on property registration have helped families understand their rights, make informed decisions and protect their property. In detention facilities across the Albania, stronger safeguards, the early identification of mental health needs and improved rehabilitation support are contributing to more respectful treatment and better prospects for successful reintegration.

Albania has strengthened its capacity to combat economic crime, prevent corruption, recover assets and protect public funds. These efforts contributed to the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s global “grey list” for money laundering. Stronger institutional accountability and better-trained public officials are also helping ensure that public resources serve communities more effectively.

The programme has also supported efforts to prevent discrimination, including against national minorities, and promoted a more inclusive society through awareness-raising initiatives in local communities, capacity building for police officers, legal professionals and journalists and institutional support for public authorities.

In the media sector, improved safety protocols and police training are helping journalists work more securely. This, in turn, supports the public’s access to accurate and independent information.

The event concluded with a discussion on the main priorities of the fourth phase of the Horizontal Facility programme, expected to begin in early 2027. It will provide a reinforced framework for continued co-operation between the European Union, the Council of Europe and Albania, focusing on consolidating key achievements, addressing remaining reform gaps and supporting beneficiary-led priorities that have a direct impact on people’s lives.  

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The “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” programme is a joint initiative of the European Union and the Council of Europe, running from 2023 to 2026. With a total budget of 42 million EUR, it supports public authorities and local actors to meet key reform agendas in the areas of human rights, rule of law, and democracy, in line with European standards, playing a crucial role in Albania's EU accession process.