EURALIUS, an EU funded project, has responded to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic by promoting and providing the necessary equipment to courts and guidance to stakeholders for remote hearings through the use of video technology.

A respective Normative Act provides the necessary legal foundation.

The Lezha Court, one of the first courts equipped with the video technology by EURALIUS, has demonstrated a willingness to adapt to the new ways of working.

In the period covering April –November 2020, the Lezha court has carried out 420 remote hearings.

EURALIUS is in the process of providing the technology to facilitate such hearings in all Albanian Courts. The approaches to remote hearings emphasize the importance of remaining committed to efficiency, accessibility, and transparency for all parties involved when incorporating technology in the court system, both in the context of the current emergency and beyond.

On 10 November 2020, EURALIUS in collaboration with the Italian Project AICS/CSM delivered an online training for the administrative staff of the School of Magistrates on Strategic Time Management. During the training participants showed high interest on the topic and lively participated in the discussion. Training was attended by all administrative staff of the School of Magistrates. This is the fourth training delivered in the framework of increasing the capacities of the administrative staff of the School of Magistrates.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed enormous challenges to the functioning of every aspect of society. One area where its affects have been felt keenly is in Albanian court proceedings.
EURALIUS, has responded to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic by promoting and providing the necessary equipment and guidance for remote hearings.

On 7 December 2020, the Tirana District Court, conducted its first remote hearing using the technology and assistance provided by EURALIUS. Twelve Judges who have expressed an interest to conduct remote hearings as well as thirty judicial secretaries have been trained by EURALIUS regarding the use of this technology.

All courts in Albania are encouraged to engage in remote hearings where possible. Holding remote hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly important to preserve the rule of law and access to justice while ensuring the safety of all participants.
In this regard, EURALIUS is in the process of providing the technology to facilitate such hearings in all Albanian Courts.