Albania marks today the 28^th anniversary of the adoption of the European Convention on Human Rights (The Convention) and its Protocol No. 1 coming into effect. Following its membership to the Council of Europe on 13^th July 1995, Albania ratified the Convention shortly after, entering into force on 2 October 1996. This landmark step marked the country’s integration into the European human rights system, significantly strengthening protections for fundamental rights, including the right to property, under Article 1 of Protocol No. 1.

Since then, the Convention has served as a vital safeguard for Albanian citizens, allowing them to seek justice through the European Court of Human Rights (The Court) when domestic remedies fail. The Convention has played a key role in reforming Albania’s legal system, reinforcing European standards in democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

Since Albania's ratification of the Convention, the Court has registered over 1,300 applications from Albanian citizens throughout the years. Of these, approximately 204 judgments have been delivered by the Court against Albania, addressing various human rights violations, including cases involving property rights under Article 1 of Protocol No. 1. Some landmark cases, such as Manushaqe Puto and Others v. Albania (2012) and Beshiri and Others v. Albania (2012), have significantly influenced domestic reforms, especially concerning property restitution and compensation.

Albania remains among the countries with a high number of pending cases before the Court, with around 38 pending cases currently awaiting judgment in 2024.[1] The Convention’s impact is evident in reforms addressing issues such as judicial independence, fair trial rights, and the prohibition of inhumane treatment.

This anniversary highlights Albania’s enduring commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Convention as it advances toward further European integration. In close partnership with the European Union, the Council of Europe continues its support to public authorities and domestic actors to effectively implement ECtHR judgments the Action on “Improving the protection of the right to property and facilitating execution of ECtHR judgments in Albania (D-REX III)”. With a strong focus on long-standing property claims, an issue of significant historical and social importance, the action is helping in addressing systemic challenges and reinforce the rule of law in Albania