EU, state-of-the-art equipment for the Border Police of Albania
The Police in Albania has received a new package of modern equipment, as part of the EU4FAST project – “EU support for strengthening the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking in the Western Balkans”, which is financed by the European Union, the German government, the Italian Ministry of the Interior and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a ceremony held at the premises of the General Directorate of the State Police, passport readers, document readers and modern detectors were handed over, which will serve to strengthen operational capacities for border management and the identification of trafficking cases.
The equipment was handed over by the German ambassador to Albania, Karlfried Bergner, and the representative of the EU delegation in Tirana, Francesca Varlese.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director General of the State Police, Sokol Bizhga, the Director of the Department for Border and Migration, Saimir Muçaj, other senior Police leaders, liaison officers of the German Federal Police and representatives of the EU4FAST Project.
The Deputy Director of the Albanian Police expressed his gratitude for the continuous support of European partners in the modernization of the structures of the State Police. He emphasized that the new equipment will be used immediately by the Border and Migration structures, adding that they will have a direct impact on preventing and cracking down on human trafficking and illegal migration.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Bergner stated that the delivery of the equipment represents an important step in strengthening the rule of law.
“This moment is more than the delivery of technical equipment. It is a strong signal of our joint commitment to fight organized crime. Germany remains committed to supporting Albania and the region in improving border management and protecting vulnerable people,” said Bergner.
Meanwhile, the EU representative, Francesca Varlese, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in the fight against crimes that affect migrants.
“Migrant smuggling and human trafficking are crimes that exploit the most vulnerable. The EU has always stood by Albania, providing financial support, expertise and training to strengthen the capacities of local authorities,” added Varlese.
The EU4FAST project aims to increase the effectiveness of security institutions in the Western Balkans, by strengthening cross-border cooperation, supporting the modernization of equipment and contributing to the fight against crimes that affect regional security and stability. (5 December)
