Albania is an important part of Europe’s security architecture and an active partner in addressing threats that cross national borders. With this message, Minister of Internal Affairs Ervin Demo opened the international conference “Regional Security: New Risks, Stronger Cooperation” in Tirana today. The event was attended by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanović, representatives of Italy’s Ministry of the Interior, the Italian Embassy, the European Union Delegation, and delegations from countries across the region.
“Albania is not Europe’s backyard. We are part of its front door. That door must be secure,” Minister Demo stated, emphasizing that Albania’s security is inseparable from Europe’s security and that no country can tackle emerging threats alone.
During his speech, the minister pointed out that international crime, illegal trafficking, cyber threats, and new forms of criminal activity operate across borders and often move faster than institutions. For this reason, he stressed the need for stronger institutions, rapid information sharing, technological capabilities, and joint operations.
Albania’s progress in the fight against organized crime was also highlighted in the European Commission’s 2026 Report. Minister Demo identified three positive developments: deeper cooperation with EU member states and European agencies, an increase in anti-drug operations, and the expansion of joint patrols alongside strengthened capacities for tracing criminal assets.
He also highlighted progress in strengthening capabilities and international cooperation in combating cybercrime. However, the minister acknowledged that the report identifies areas requiring further efforts, particularly financial investigations and results in the prosecution and conviction of financial crimes, including offenses related to cybercrime, trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms.
According to Demo, improving technical capabilities for examining digital evidence and protecting critical infrastructure is also particularly important.
In this context, Demo referred to last week’s meeting of regional interior ministers in Budva, where discussions focused on shared security challenges in the digital age, protecting children from online abuse, internet fraud, migrant smuggling, and the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum in cooperation with the European agencies Frontex, EUAA, and Europol.
Another important part of the conference was the presentation of preliminary findings from the regional “Secure Meter 2026” survey, which measures citizens’ perceptions of security and levels of trust across the region. Minister Demo emphasized the importance of reliable data and evidence in developing more effective policies and identifying areas requiring greater institutional intervention.
Addressing representatives of the participating countries, the minister stressed the strategic importance of the EU–Western Balkans Security Partnership, underlining that security on both sides of the Adriatic is interconnected.
“Albania does not seek to be protected from Europe’s problems. We want to be part of their solution,” Demo declared, reaffirming the country’s commitment to contributing to a safer, more stable, and more resilient European security environment.
In conclusion, the minister emphasized that security cooperation is not merely a priority but a prerequisite for economic development, investment, progress, and European integration.
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