Albanian ambassadors to serve four-year terms under proposed law changes

Albanian ambassadors will no longer serve three-year terms but will instead lead diplomatic missions for four years. Additionally, they will be limited to two consecutive terms in diplomatic and consular posts.

Why it matters

These changes are part of the proposed amendments to the Law on Diplomacy, which has been released for public consultation. The law proposes a host of changes, including introducing for the first time into law the concept of a diplomatic academy. This new structure, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be responsible for training and preparing diplomats.

Context

The proposed amendments come at a time when Albanian diplomacy has achieved a number of significant successes but is faced with difficulties especially in recruitment and guaranteeing the quality of its diplomats. Diplomatic Academy will focus on the professional development of new diplomats and provide ongoing training for all members of the Foreign Service. The academy will organize individual training courses before diplomats begin their duties at diplomatic or consular missions. It will also offer language courses and preparatory qualifying courses for diplomatic ranks. Furthermore, the draft law proposes the appointment of coordinators within the structures of the Parliament, President, Prime Minister, and key ministries that handle international relations.