New members of Council of Appointments in Justice system selected for 2025

The nine members of the Council of Appointments in Justice system (KED) for 2025 have been selected through a public drawing process. KED, a key body in Albania’s justice reform, has a one-year mandate and is chaired by the President of the High Court, currently Sokol Sadushi.

Why is this important: KED plays a critical role in Albania’s judicial system by evaluating the professional and moral qualifications of candidates for the position of High Justice Inspector and members of the Constitutional Court. The council is a product of the ongoing justice reform aimed at strengthening judicial transparency and accountability. It is composed of representatives from all levels of the judiciary and prosecution, ensuring a comprehensive approach to candidate evaluations.

Context: KED’s work directly impacts the appointment process for key judicial roles. Its rankings determine the pool of candidates for final selection by the President, Parliament, or the Supreme Court. If these bodies fail to appoint candidates, the highest-ranked individual in KED’s list is automatically selected.

The selection of KED members takes place at the end of each year through a transparent drawing process organized by the President’s Office and broadcast live. The President of Albania and the People’s Advocate are present to ensure transparency and impartiality.

Members of KED serve part-time while maintaining their regular professional duties. The Supreme Court provides the necessary organizational, administrative, and financial support to ensure the council functions effectively.

For 2025, the council’s composition includes representatives from the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, General Prosecutor’s Office, Appeals Courts, and Administrative Courts. Members are tasked with assessing candidates based on legal conditions and ranking them according to professional merit, a key step in consolidating the country’s rule of law.