On 3 April Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge attended the high-level event "2030 Albania in the EU - The Path of Reforms" in Tirana, Albania, where he took part in the opening panel together with a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Edi Rama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania and Elisa Spiropali, Speaker of the Parliament of Albania.
In his speech, the Deputy Secretary General noted many successful reforms carried out by Albania, with regards to anti-corruption, good governance and the rule of law. In the 30 years since Albania joined the Council of Europe, many of the organisation's bodies - such as GRECO and MONEYVAL - have supported reform, monitored progress, and helped to build strong, independent institutions in the country. The Deputy Secretary General cautioned that for the progress to be real and substantive, it must be nurtured and taken even further. Strong political commitment, ethical leadership, and collective engagement - from public institutions, civil society, and the private sector - are essential to ensure lasting reform, especially in times of uncertainty.
Addressing current geopolitical challenges facing Europe, the Deputy Secretary General noted that across Europe, democracy, human rights and the rule of law are under tremendous pressure. These values are challenged by disinformation, polarisation, economic insecurity, growing inequality and people becoming disillusioned by the failure of political institutions to deliver what they expect and hope for. Europe is also tormented by a new major war, and once again haunted by an old ghost - violent aggressive nationalism, combined with utopian dreams of reestablishing an empire. He therefore called for European unity and strong commitment to European values and a rules-based international order, stressing that "we should never forget that democracy is not a destination, but a process that requires a commitment and constant efforts".
On the margins of the event the Deputy Secretary General briefly met with Mr Rama and Ms Spiropali. Mr Rama praised the work and assistance of the Council of Europe and its institutions, notably GRECO, in carrying out the critical reforms in Albania.
