OSCE Presence in Albania Newsletter| March 2026

Ambassador Michel Tarran met the new Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, on 25 March, two days before the 29 anniversary of the establishment of the OSCE Presence in Albania. “Over the past three decades, the Presence has worked closely with national institutions and a wide range of partners, contributing to democratic governance, the rule of law, electoral reform, support to law enforcement and the fight against crime, as well as the promotion of human rights, media freedom, youth engagement and civil society,” Minister Hoxha wrote. th NEWSLETTER To mark International Women’s Day, the OSCE Presence held a series of events focused on women’s rights and empowerment. Two open lectures aimed at enhancing youth awareness and engagement on gender equality and gender-based violence took place at the Durrës University (4 March) and the European University of Tirana (9 March). On 6 March, the Presence joined a statement of the Gender and Women in Decision-Making Working Group and posted a video message by Ambassador Tarran on 8 March. Activities concluded with a gender-related quiz for the Presence’s staff. Celebrating women on International Women’s Day Ambassador Tarran meets Minister Hoxha Consultation on political parties’ financing legislation Albania stands at a decisive moment in strengthening further the integrity and credibility of the electoral framework. Welcoming the resumption of work of the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on Electoral Reform, on 3 March, the Presence supported a consultation roundtable on the revision of legislation related to the financing of political parties. On 25 March, the Presence organized an informal breakfast with civil society organizations to discuss recent developments in the electoral reform process. Strengthening response to labour exploitation trafficking As Albania becomes increasingly attractive for people seeking work, the OSCE is helping the country strengthen efforts to prevent trafficking for labour exploitation. On 27 March, institutions, the private sector and civil society came together to discuss stronger inspections, responsible practices and better protection for workers, including migrants. The OSCE Special Representative and Co- ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings spoke at the event, part of a Presence’s project funded by UK, Norway, Ireland and Italy. March 2026