Here is the converted article in Markdown format:

EU Trade Agreements to Boost Economy, but Non-Tariff Barriers Must Be Addressed

The European Union’s recent trade agreements with Canada, Japan, and Vietnam are expected to have a positive impact on the EU’s GDP and welfare, despite being small. The agreements will lead to a slight boost in trade and larger gains in specific sectors, according to a new study.

Sectoral Impact

The sectoral impact of the agreements on EU producers is expected to be tiny, with neither large gains nor losses anticipated. However, unlike previous FTAs concluded with developed countries, the environmental implications of these agreements under negotiation could be significant, particularly in areas such as land use and deforestation.

Non-Tariff Barriers

However, the study highlights that tariff liberalization alone is not enough to generate substantial economic gains. Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in both trade in goods and services must be substantially reduced for the full potential of these agreements to be realized.

Money Laundering in Albania: Institutions Working Together

A recent study on money laundering in Albania has shed light on the country’s efforts to combat this illegal activity. The Albanian Financial Intelligence Unit, also known as the General Directorate for the Prevention of Money Laundering (GDPML), is responsible for monitoring and supervising illegal activities related to money laundering.

Institutions Involved

Other institutions involved in combating money laundering include:

• Coordination Committee for the Fight against Money Laundering
• Albanian State Police
• General Prosecutor’s Office
• General Directorate of Customs
• General Directorate of Taxation
• Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets
• High Inspectorate of Declaration and Audit of Assets and Conflict of Interest

These institutions work together to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, with each playing a crucial role in the fight against these illegal activities. The study highlights that cooperation between these institutions is key to effectively combating money laundering and protecting Albania’s financial system.

EU Institutions Call for Regulation of Offshore Centers

In related news, another study has recommended that the regulation of European offshore centers be a priority. According to the study, a homogenous European anti-money laundering and anti-tax evasion policy would require a differentiated EU approach for different groups of Member States, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Regulation Benefits

The study suggests that regulating offshore centers could help prevent money laundering and tax evasion, and would be an important step in combating these illegal activities.