“Critical Issues and New Forms of Human Trafficking: Protecting Victims in View of the Implementation of the European Union Pact on Migration and Asylum” was an intense and highly participatory study day that brought together institutions, members of the judiciary, law enforcement authorities, academics, third-sector organizations, and students at the University of Salerno to reflect on the new challenges posed by human trafficking.

Throughout the discussions, participants strongly emphasized the urgent need to strengthen mechanisms for the early identification and protection of victims, especially in light of the evolving nature of trafficking, which is becoming increasingly hybrid, invisible, and digitalized. Particular attention was devoted to the risks connected to the implementation of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, especially regarding border procedures and accelerated return mechanisms, which may affect the ability to promptly identify situations of exploitation.

The technical roundtable fostered a constructive dialogue between theory and practice, enabling the sharing of experiences, operational challenges, and best practices, with the common goal of developing more effective tools for the protection of fundamental rights.

Equally significant was the session dedicated to students, which provided an important opportunity to raise awareness and deepen understanding of a phenomenon that often remains hidden. Through thematic contributions, audiovisual materials, and testimonies, the initiative encouraged critical reflection and greater awareness.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to continue strengthening cooperation among institutions, academia, and sector professionals, in the awareness that combating human trafficking requires multidisciplinary approaches, strong collaboration, and policies increasingly centered on the protection of human dignity and victims’ rights.

Pictures of the event are available HERE!

Yesterday was a particularly productive day for the students of the European Union Law course. Thanks to Professor Alba Gerdeci, they explored the historical background of Kosovo and the complex legal challenges related to prosecuting serious crimes arising from the 1998–2000 conflict.

A central focus was the role of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC), which are closely connected to the broader effort to establish and consolidate the rule of law in Kosovo and other post-conflict societies. In particular, the discussion highlighted how the KSC contribute to ending impunity, addressing structural weaknesses in domestic judicial systems, and ensuring fair trial guarantees and the protection of fundamental rights, in line with standards such as the European Convention on Human Rights. Their establishment is also linked to the conditionality framework promoted by the European Union in the context of integration processes.

At the same time, the lecture addressed key criticisms: the perception that the KSC disproportionately target one side of the conflict, concerns about their external location and composition affecting local legitimacy, and the risk that reliance on international mechanisms may slow the development of domestic judicial capacity.
Together, these elements—both strengths and criticisms—represent essential considerations for the long-term development of a stable, credible, and locally trusted rule of law system.

Pictures of the day: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1499709138612297&type=3

The cybersecurity debate/interview sparked great interest among students in the UNISA courses of EU Law (Dpt. of Legal Sciences), International Law, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intellicence (Dpt. of Business Sciences – Management & Innovation Systems), European Union Values, Integration and Migration Law (Dpt. of Legal Sciences), as well as the law clinic in EU Cooperation on Justice and Home Affairs: Insights (Dpt. of Legal Sciences).

Many were the questions that Dr. Manzo was called upon to answer, confirming the relevance and timeliness of the topics discussed.

Here are some pictures from the event: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1496526115597266&type=3

The mission of the EUVALWEB Legal Observatory to Tirana, Albania, under the direction of Professor Teresa Russo, brought together Italian and Albanian magistrates, lawyers, and representatives of the State Police, reinforcing long-standing institutional relationships while also fostering new and meaningful collaborations.

On March 24, the delegation met with the Italian Ambassador to Albania, His Excellency Marco Alberti. The discussion offered valuable insight into the evolving relationship between Italy and Albania, as well as the current state of Albania’s negotiations for accession to the European Union.

The following day, March 25, the international symposium on the Rule of Law at Epoka University created an important platform for dialogue among key stakeholders—including experts, policymakers, academics, and civil society representatives—emphasizing the shared commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive democratic society.

Also on March 25, the meeting at the School of the Judiciary in Tirana laid the groundwork for future cooperation, opening new avenues for joint initiatives in legal education and institutional exchange.

On March 26, a meeting held at the Tirana General Prosecutor’s Office with the Deputy Prosecutor General of the Albanian Court of Cassation marked an important step toward strengthening institutional cooperation and laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives.

This was followed by a mock trial at Ismail Qemali High School, centered on the emerging issue of deepfakes. The initiative offered students a valuable opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion on the responsible and informed use of social media, fostering greater awareness of digital risks and ethical challenges.

The mission concluded, on March 27, with the projection of the short film “Imperfetta”, produced by Rai Cinema in collaboration with the Italian State Police, at Turgut Ozal High School. The film addressed the sensitive topic of stereotypes on social media, promoting respect for individual dignity and the value of uniqueness.

In conclusion, the EUVALWEB mission in Tirana represented an important opportunity for dialogue and shared growth, strengthening cooperation among institutions, academia, and civil society. The activities carried out helped promote the values of the rule of law, international cooperation, and digital awareness, with particular attention to younger generations.

The experience gained in Tirana provides a solid foundation for developing further joint initiatives, based on the belief that only through continuous collaboration and exchange, with active involvement of all stakeholders, can a more just, inclusive, and aware society be built.

Link to the pictures: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1470990184817526&type=3