On 18 February, the OSCE Presence in Albania presented a Manual on Public Procurement for judges and prosecutors to the Albanian School of Magistrates, marking an important step in strengthening the capacity of the judiciary to effectively address complex public procurement-related offences.
The Manual offers practical guidance for judges, prosecutors, and legal practitioners on identifying, investigating, and adjudicating procurement-related offences, drawing on both national and international legal frameworks and relevant judicial practice. An English-language extract focusing on best international practices in the investigation and adjudication of public procurement offences provides comparative insights for a broader audience across OSCE participating States. Together, these publications aim to strengthen integrity, promote consistency in adjudication, and enhance accountability, contributing to Albania's ongoing anti-corruption reforms and reflecting the OSCE's commitment to good governance and the rule of law.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Michel Tarran emphasized that sound public procurement systems are essential to good governance and public trust. "We hope this publication will be integrated into training modules, stimulate professional discussion and contribute to consistent and high-quality adjudication of public procurement offences. Strengthening judicial responses to economic and corruption-related infringements remains instrumental to Albania's reform efforts," Ambassador Tarran said.
The Director of the Albanian School of Magistrates, Arben Rakipi, welcomed the initiative, noting that specialized training materials are crucial given the increasing complexity of procurement legislation and related criminal and administrative proceedings. "This Manual represents an important contribution to both the theory and practice of investigating and adjudicating criminal offences in the field of public procurement. What distinguishes it from other publications of this kind is its comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, which effectively integrates three essential dimensions: prevention, investigation, and adjudication. Beyond its value as a reference tool for current practitioners, the Manual has significant formative importance and should be integrated into the training programmes of the School of Magistrates. It is precisely initiatives such as this that give us confidence that, through professional commitment, sound expertise, and determination, Albania's justice system can be further strengthened and made more effective in the service of justice and the public interest," Rakipi said.
The development of the Manual involved national and international experts and consultations with representatives of judicial institutions and other bodies. It reflects the OSCE Presence's long-standing commitment to supporting judicial reform, enhancing professional capacities, and promoting integrity and transparency in public institutions - work it will continue as a partner to Albania's justice sector.
Both publications could be found online on the following links:
https://albania.osce.org/sq/presence-albania/661951
https://albania.osce.org/presence-albania/661954
