OSCE Presence in Albania promotes strengthening of Parliament’s co-operation with civil society, independent institutions

A roundtable discussion focused on strengthening co-operation between the Parliament, civil society organizations, and independent institutions began in Tirana on 11 December 2013 organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Albanian Assembly.

The roundtable is being held as part of an OSCE project aimed at fostering co-operation between the Parliament and civil society; the initiative is sponsored by the German government. Over the past four months, training sessions on this topic have been held in nine Albanian cities and towns: Bajram Curri, Puka, Kukës, Shkodra, Peshkopi, Fier, Korça, Vlora and Tirana.

“Civil society and parliament are beginning to reach out towards each other, and we are determined to help continue bridging the gap between them,” said Deputy Head of the OSCE Presence, Robert Wilton.

A 2012 study on relations between the Assembly, independent institutions, and civil society was presented in the event. Wilton highlighted some outstanding issues in this interaction, such as deadlines for providing comments on draft legislation that were generally too short, as well as an absence of clear guidelines for public consultation. “Addressing these issues would allow a more transparent and inclusive consultation process, further involving civil society and social partners, and ultimately increasing public trust in legislative drafting,” he added.

Other keynote speakers at the event included Assembly Deputy Speaker, Vangjel Dule; Minister for Relations with the Parliament, Ilirjan Celibashi, and Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Erik Tintrup.