“Shared Justice: Promoting fair and inclusive justice reform systems in the Western Balkans”

In June 2024, Tirana hosted the international event “Shared Justice: Promoting Fair and Inclusive Justice Reform Systems in the Western Balkans,” an initiative organized by the international think tank Friends of Europe in cooperation with the Albanian Helsinki Committee and the ALTRI Center. This meeting inaugurated a new dialogue platform on justice in the Western Balkans, bringing together political figures, academics, civil society representatives, and experts from the region and beyond.

At a time when the region still faces complex challenges such as corruption, political influence on the judiciary, and lack of transparency, the event was designed as a call to move beyond formal reforms and written strategies. The focus was placed on creating a “shared justice mindset,” a deep cultural and institutional transformation that engages society as a whole.

During its sessions, the event addressed key issues such as:

• Shifting societal attitudes toward justice through deep and comprehensive reforms;
• The role of political leadership and civil society in creating a new culture of justice;
• Strengthening the integrity of the judicial system through fair appointment processes and transparency;
• Lessons learned from the vetting of magistrates and opportunities for their application in other Balkan countries;
• Promoting a culture of accountability through the engagement of civil society organizations and the protection of women’s rights, particularly in the field of property rights.

Participants engaged in open discussions, sharing best practices and common challenges, with the aim of building a fairer, more independent, and trustworthy justice system for the citizens of the Western Balkans. This initiative marks an important step toward sustainable and collaborative dialogue between the region and the European Union, aimed at strengthening the rule of law and accelerating integration processes.

The “Shared Justice” event was not just a conference, but a call for reflection and collective action to improve justice as a foundation for democracy in the region.