New magistrate candidates began the new academic year today at the School of Magistrates in Tirana. During the opening ceremony, EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of the rule of law as Albania advances toward EU membership.

Addressing the new candidates, Moreira de Sousa said their integrity and independence would represent some of their most important contributions to the citizens they will serve in the future.

“Your integrity and independence will be among the most important contributions to the citizens you will serve,” she said.

The EU ambassador also called for further efforts to improve the efficiency of the judiciary. At the same time, she stressed the need to safeguard the independence of the justice system and strengthen accountability.

“The justice system must step up efforts to improve judicial efficiency, preserve its independence and increase accountability,” Moreira de Sousa said.

She also stressed that progress in strengthening the rule of law remains an important part of Albania’s EU accession process.

“Without progress in strengthening the rule of law, the EU accession process cannot move forward. The European Union is here to support you in achieving this goal,” the ambassador said.

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