The European Centre Foundation is a non-profit organization, founded in 14 June 1999. Our mission is to contribute in the consolidation of the Rule of Law, through respecting and promoting European standards in Albania and the region. ECF has 4 main programs within the framework of accomplishing its mission and objectives: Rule of Law, Human Rights, European Integration, Democracy and Good Governance. During the implementation of our projects, we focus in the inclusion of different target beneficiaries, with a particular attention on groups with fewer opportunities. Since its establishment, ECF is partner with constitutional institutions, national and international organizations, as well as with the European Court of Human Rights. ECF is member of European Implementation Network for monitoring Execution of ECtHR judgments and “Justice for All” Coalition. ECF was a member of the Civil Society Ad Hoc Commission within the framework of the justice reform. With an extensive experience of 20 years our marathon for the consolidation of the rule of law has not a deadline.
The Founders of the European Centre are:
Mr. Ledi Bianku – is graduated from University of Tirana’s Faculty of Law in 1993. During 1992-1993, he also pursued his studies in law at the University of Trento, Italy. In 1997, Mr. Bianku received a LL.M degree on European Studies at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. During 1995-2007, he was a lecturer of Public International Law, Human Rights and European Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Tirana. From 1997-1007, Mr. Bianku was a lecturer at the School of Magistrates in Albania. To add, Mr. Bianku was the Head of the National Committee of the Albanian Broadcasting from 1998-1999. During 2006-2007, he was a member of the Venice Commission. Mr. Ledi Bianku was judge in respect of Albania at the European Court of Human Rights (2008-2019). He was vice president of the First Section of the ECtHR until 31 January 2017. He is currently Associated Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Strasbourg.
Mr. Ardian Dhima- is graduated from the College of Europe in Natolin Campus, Poland with a master on European Studies. He has studied French Language and Literature at the University of “Stendhal” in Grenoble, France. Mr. Dhima was the Director of the Program of Public Administration at Open Society Foundation Albania, as well as the Director of the Department of Policy Program at the Institute of the Public and Legal Studies. Mr. Dhima has also served as the Chair of the Administrative Board of the European Centre in 2006.
Mr. Neritan Sejamini- graduated from the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Tirana in Physics. He has also studied European Policies at the Joint Vienna Institute. Mr.Sejamini holds a Master of Science from the George Washington, Washington D.C. U.S.A. Mr. Sejamini has served as the Head of the Department of EU Relations at the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy, head of the Department of EU Assistance at the Council of Ministers during 1991-1995, as well as Adviser of the Prime Minister during 2005-2008. Mr. Sejamini is also the founder and the Executive Director 1996-1997 of the Institute of Current Developments.
Mr. Dritan Shano- was graduated from the Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana in 1992. He has a long experience in high level governance, including the role of the Economic Adviser for the Prime Minister in 1997-1998, as well as the Chair of the Council of Ministers in 2002-2003. Mr. Shano has served as the vice Minister of Finance during 2003-2005. In addition he is experienced in public policies, in macro-fiscal reforms, in building capacities in public institutions as well as the European integration. Mr.Shano’s career also include positions in international organizations such as World Bank, USAID, the EU Delegation in Albania etc.. Since February 2016, he is part of the Leading Board of the European Centre as well.