AEAJ represented at OSCE Roundtable on Administrative Justice in Tirana

AEAJ represented at OSCE Roundtable on Administrative Justice in Tirana

Strengthening judicial independence and dialogue between Austria and Albania

On2–3 October 2025, a delegation of the Austrian Association of Administrative Judges conducted a two-day study visit to Tirana, organised in cooperation with the OSCE Presence in Albania. Such a visit concurs with the goals of the Association of European Administrative Judges (AEAJ) – to promote Rule of law, judicial independence, and mutual understanding among administrative judges across Europe.

A highlight of the visit was the roundtable on “Administrative Justice – Comparative Perspectives from Albania and Austria”, hosted by the OSCE Presence in Albania.

The event was opened by Ms Clarisse Pastory, Deputy Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, and H.E. Ambassador Monika Zach, who underlined the importance of sustained cooperation between the Albanian and Austrian judiciaries as part of a shared commitment to European values and judicial independence.

Ms Eva Wendler, representing AEAJ as vice-president of the Association, contributed to the discussions by highlighting the importance of judicial dialogue in safeguarding independence and efficiency. High representatives of the Albanian judiciary and Austria’s Judicial Attaché for the Western Balkans also took part in the exchange.

The Austrian Association of Administrative Judges and AEAJ express their sincere gratitude to the OSCE Presence in Albania for the excellent organisation and hospitality, and to all Albanian partners for their open and constructive dialogue.
 
Further information about the event is available on the OSCE website:


Update on 7th October 2025:

AEAJ and the Austrian Association of Administrative Judges (VRV) express their deepest condolences following the tragic incident at the Court of Appeal in Tirana, in which a judge lost his life and several others were injured.  This shocking event strikes at the very heart of the judiciary and comes only a few days after an Austrian delegation had visited Tirana.

We also wish to extend our profound sympathy to his family, colleagues, and all those serving within the Albanian judiciary in these moments of great sorrow.

AEAJ and VRV have adressed their condolences letter to Albanian judges and authorities.