The Ombudsman, Ms. Erinda Ballanca, participated in the High-Level Dialogue of the ENNHRI (European Network of National Human Rights Institutions) on the topic: “Protecting Fundamental Rights, the Rule of Law and Democracy in an Enlarging European Union: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions”, where the discussions focused on the role of these institutions in the European Union enlargement process.

During this activity, among high-ranking personalities of the EU and the Council of Europe, the Ombudsman, Ms. Erinda Ballanca, also delivered her speech, emphasizing that the process of Albania’s membership in the European Union is a complex journey that requires full compliance with all EU legislation, rules and standards, strengthening institutional capacities and effective implementation of European norms.

In this context, the Ombudsman announced that the institution she leads has acted as an independent voice to protect fundamental rights, guarantee civil space and help align legislation with EU standards, earning positive evaluations from international reports.

“Through concrete interventions for freedom of expression, respect for procedural rights and equal treatment of citizens, the institution has shown that it remains the last defender when the system fails. We must keep in mind three very valuable lessons: to maintain independence every day through transparency and professionalism; to insist on following recommendations using international frameworks to strengthen them; and to stand by citizens, especially the most vulnerable, because public trust is the strongest source of legitimacy”, said Ms. Ballanca.