The High Judicial Council (HJC) of Albania held its latest plenary session yesterday, marking an important milestone in the country’s ongoing judicial reform. During the meeting, the Council approved the appointment of 42 new judges to serve in various first-instance and administrative courts across the Republic of Albania. This decision is seen as a crucial step in reinforcing judicial capacity, transparency, and public trust in the country’s justice system.
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| The High Court Building, photo from "Myslym Shyri" street, Tirana, May 2024 |
Key Decisions of the Plenary Session
During the plenary session, the Council addressed several essential matters related to judicial appointments, ethics, and disciplinary procedures.
First, the HJC decided to postpone the hearing concerning the request made by the High Inspector of Justice to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a magistrate. The session was rescheduled for November 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. This reflects the Council’s commitment to due process and careful review of disciplinary matters involving members of the judiciary.
Furthermore, the Council reviewed and finalized the ranking of candidates for the promotion process to the Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction in Tirana, specifically for the civil law division. The appointment was based on Decision No. 635, dated October 31, 2025, issued by the HJC.
As part of this process, the Council officially appointed Mrs. Besjana Garxenaj as Judge of the Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction, Tirana, recognizing her competence and professional merit.
New Regulations on Ethics and Transparency
Beyond judicial appointments, the Council approved two important regulatory frameworks that strengthen the ethical foundation of Albania’s judiciary.
Regulation on the Code of Ethics and Prevention of Conflict of Interest
This document outlines clear ethical guidelines and conflict-of-interest prevention measures for members of the High Judicial Council. It aims to enhance integrity, impartiality, and accountability among Council members and ensure higher ethical standards across the judicial system.-
Regulation on Transparency and Improvement of Decision-Making Processes
The second approved regulation focuses on improving transparency within the HJC’s internal processes. It encourages open communication with the public, establishes clearer procedures for decision-making, and fosters trust between citizens and the judiciary.
These measures form part of Albania’s broader judicial reform agenda, aligning national practices with European Union standards and promoting good governance in line with the country’s EU integration goals.
List of Newly Appointed Judges (as of July 31, 2025)
The 42 newly appointed judges will serve across different jurisdictions and regions of Albania, covering both general and administrative courts. Their assignments include:
The appointments reflect a strategic effort to strengthen local courts and reduce the heavy workload that has long burdened Albania’s judicial system. The new judges are expected to contribute to faster case processing, more efficient trials, and greater public confidence in justice delivery.
A Step Forward for the Albanian Judiciary
The HJC’s recent session underscores a broader institutional effort to modernize and professionalize the judiciary. With the appointment of 42 new judges and the adoption of clear ethical and transparency standards, Albania continues to make progress toward an independent, accountable, and citizen-oriented judicial system.
These reforms are aligned with international recommendations from organizations such as the European Commission and Council of Europe, which have emphasized the importance of merit-based judicial appointments and integrity frameworks in Albania’s path to European integration.
The decisions taken by the High Judicial Council during this plenary session represent a significant advancement for the Albanian justice system. By filling key vacancies, promoting ethical governance, and enhancing transparency, the Council reaffirms its commitment to judicial independence and public accountability. These developments not only strengthen domestic legal institutions but also reinforce Albania’s credibility in its ongoing efforts toward EU accession.