The European Union and Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Albanian Financial intelligence Agency (FIA), organised a consultative roundtable to finetuning the draft National Strategy on Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (2024-2030). Being the first of its kind, the Strategy followed an inclusive and participatory process and it’s in the final stage of its drafting.

Experienced Council of Europe’s expert review on the draft Strategy steered the discussions of the representatives of responsible public authorities, key stakeholders and international partners. They shared additional feedback and insights in the light of experts’ review and the evolving challenges and tools in the money laundering and terrorist financing area.

In his opening remarks, Olsi Dekovi, Deputy Head of Council of Europe office in Tirana highlighted that: “Drafting of this National Strategy marks an important milestone after finalisation of the fourth National Risk Assessment based on the Council of Europe methodology and preceding the up-coming MONEYVAL evaluation process planned for Albania next year”.  

The Director of Financial Intelligence Agency, Ervin Koçi, appreciated the expertise provided by the European Union and Council of Europe in improving this strategic document, which will enhance national safety, enable competent authorities to understand and mitigate risks effectively, and strengthen inter-institutional cooperation through effective measures.

Lenka Vitkova, Head of Operations in the EU Delegation to Albania, stressed the importance of aligning Albania’s legislation with the EU acquis and priorities, particularly at this moment, as the EU reinforced the rules on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing, by setting up a new European Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) in Frankfurt.

The Council of Europe assessment provided a comprehensive set of strategic recommendations to bolster Albania’s efforts against money laundering and terrorist financing through strengthening the legal and regulatory framework, enhancing institutional capacities, advancing compliance and supervision, leveraging technology and innovation, fostering international cooperation as well as promoting public awareness and private sector stakeholders’ engagement. By addressing the identified gaps and adopting the recommendations provided, Albania can significantly enhance its resilience against money laundering and terrorist financing, ensuring a secure and transparent financial environment.

This activity was organized jointly by the Inter-Institutional Technical Working Group (ITWG) led by Financial Intelligence Agency (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.