To address the evolving risks of financial crimes, the role of the Financial Intelligence Agency remains crucial, as one of Albania’s key institutions to detect and prevent money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing. To strengthen the knowledge and operational skills of newly recruited and existing staff of the Agency, a two-day training was held in Tirana under the joint European Union/Council of Europe “Action against Economic Crime in Albania”.

The training was based on a newly developed practical Manual for Agency staff, developed with the support of the Action. The Manual provides essential guidance on the core functions and responsibilities of financial intelligence units, as well as the broader international anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing framework. By consolidating key concepts, best practices, and practical guidance, it aims to reinforce the Agency staff competencies and support their professional development.

Delivered by three international experts from the Council of Europe, the training enhanced participants’ understanding of the analytical tools and methodologies, international co-operation mechanisms, and the implementation of a risk-based approach. Interactive sessions and real case studies enabled participants to strengthen their skills to identify, analyse, and respond to financial-crime risks in practice.

By aligning domestic practices with international standards, the training and the new Manual support Albania’s ongoing efforts to reinforce the effectiveness of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing system through strengthening the role of the Financial Intelligence Agency.

The event was organised by the Action against Economic Crime in Albania, as part of the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.