426 students from all three academic years of the Police Academy of Tirana strengthened their capacities to address hate crimes. This is one of the key results of this year’s Anti-Discrimination Week, organised every February by the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, with support from the European Union and Council of Europe joint action on Advancing the Protection from Discrimination in Albania.

Through a series of tailored training sessions on 9, 10 and 16 February, future police officers enhanced their practical skills to identify bias indicators, correctly classify and investigate hate crimes, ensure proper documentation and reporting, and apply a victim-centred approach in line with European human rights standards.

The sessions also reinforced the importance of non-discriminatory policing and equal treatment contributing to more professional, accountable and inclusive responses from law enforcement.

The support provided by the European Union and Council of Europe extends beyond the activities of the Anti-Discrimination Week. It forms part of ongoing co-operation with the Police Academy and the State Police, helping integrate principles to combat hate crime and discrimination into police training and daily practice. By strengthening both institutional knowledge and practical skills, the joint action contributes to sustainable improvements in the prevention, identification and investigation of hate crimes in Albania.

This long-term support reaffirms the European Union and Council of Europe ongoing commitment to stronger institutional responses and to promoting a policing culture grounded in equality, dignity and respect for all.