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Combating Terrorist Financing in Albania: EU and Council of Europe Support National Strategy Development
The Albanian authorities have received crucial support from the European Union and the Council of Europe as they refine their national strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The draft National Strategy on Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing 2024-2030 is in its final stages, following an inclusive and participatory process.
Consultative Roundtable
A consultative roundtable was organized by the EU and Council of Europe, in collaboration with Albania’s Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), to gather feedback from public authorities, key stakeholders, and international partners. The event marked a significant milestone after the completion of Albania’s fourth National Risk Assessment based on the Council of Europe methodology.
Expertise and Support
Olsi Dekovi, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe office in Tirana, emphasized the importance of drafting this national strategy, highlighting its significance ahead of next year’s MONEYVAL evaluation process for Albania. Ervin Koçi, Director of FIA, praised the expertise provided by the EU and Council of Europe, which will enhance national safety and enable authorities to mitigate risks effectively.
EU Representation
The EU delegation in Albania was represented by Lenka Vitkova, Head of Operations, who stressed the importance of aligning Albanian legislation with EU priorities, particularly in light of the new European Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) established in Frankfurt.
Council of Europe Assessment
The Council of Europe assessment provided strategic recommendations to strengthen Albania’s legal and regulatory framework, enhance institutional capacities, advance compliance and supervision, leverage technology and innovation, foster international cooperation, and promote public awareness and private sector engagement. By addressing identified gaps and adopting these recommendations, Albania can significantly improve its resilience against money laundering and terrorist financing.
Organizers
The event was jointly organized by the Inter-Institutional Technical Working Group (ITWG) led by FIA and the Action against Economic Crime in Albania, within the framework of the European Union/ Council of Europe joint Programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye.