Justice Minister Toni Gogu said today that Albania will continue its digitalization process and use of artificial intelligence. He stressed that the country will protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Gogu spoke in Parliament during the review of the draft law on the ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.

Gogu said Albania has already digitalized more than 95% of public services. More than 3.5 million users have registered on the “e-Albania” platform. They have submitted around 74 million applications through the platform.

“Digital government is no longer a project for the future. It is today’s reality in Albania,” Gogu said. He added that technology has changed how citizens and businesses interact with public administration.

According to Gogu, the growing use of technology and algorithms requires stronger safeguards for citizens’ rights. He also stressed that authorities must clearly identify who holds responsibility for public decisions.

“An algorithm cannot make a public decision. A responsible person must make that decision,” the minister said. He added that technology can help the administration work faster and more efficiently. However, legal responsibility must remain clear.

Gogu said decisions that affect citizens’ rights must remain traceable, subject to review and open to legal challenge. Citizens must also receive enough information to understand when and how technology affects a process concerning them.

They must also know what legal protections are available to them.

Referring to the Council of Europe Framework Convention, Gogu described it as the first binding international convention in this field. He said it aims to ensure that the development and use of artificial intelligence respect human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Gogu clarified that ratifying the convention will not automatically legalize existing systems. Instead, it will establish standards for the country’s legal and regulatory framework.

“The convention does not impose a ready-made institutional model,” Gogu said. He added that public authorities and entities acting on their behalf must translate its obligations into laws and regulations.

Gogu also addressed the use of technology in the justice system. He said authorities can use technology to manage courts, cases and information. However, judges will remain responsible for judicial decisions.

“The judge will make the judicial decision. Artificial intelligence will not replace the judge in any way. The judge’s independence and responsibility will not be delegated to an automated system,” he said.

Gogu stressed that Albania does not need to choose between modernization and the protection of human rights. He said the country can advance both processes at the same time.

“Albania will continue to digitalize the state. It will continue to use technology to reduce bureaucracy, improve services and make the administration more efficient,” he said.

Finally, Gogu stressed that digital services must remain accessible to citizens with limited digital skills. He also called for effective and impartial oversight mechanisms under the convention.

/a.c/