At the centre of the initiative is the project “Strengthening the Resilience of the Public Sector against Corruption” (RAC), which will provide targeted support to Albania’s Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK).

The project focuses on boosting institutional capacity, improving asset management practices and promoting the social reuse of confiscated assets for community benefit.

Through technical assistance, international expertise and the exchange of European best practices, the RAC project seeks to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in tackling corruption and organised crime, while strengthening public trust and transparency in the management of confiscated assets.

In parallel, the project “Combating Money Laundering in Albania” (CMLA) will support Albanian authorities in strengthening the framework to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT), using a risk-based approach and practical guidance for public authorities and reporting entities.

Speaking at the launch event on Monday, Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, said the focus of reforms should shift from adopting legislation to ensuring effective implementation and delivering tangible results for citizens.

Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber said an effective anti-money laundering system was essential to safeguarding the economy, ensuring fair competition and supporting Albania’s European integration path.

AAPSK head Risena Xhaja welcomed the projects, saying they would strengthen the agency’s professional and technical capacities and consolidate its approach to the social reuse of confiscated assets.

The event brought together senior representatives of Albanian institutions, international partners, civil society and the media, serving as a platform for dialogue on anti-corruption reforms, asset management and evolving AML/CFT standards and their national impact.

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