The first Steering Committee meeting of the Countering Money Laundering in Albania (CMLA) project convened representatives from the Council of Europe, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and Cooperation, and key Albanian partner institutions.

The meeting set the direction for project’s implementation, providing a platform for partners to exchange views and align on priorities for the coming years. Participants engaged in constructive discussions on the project’s objectives, expected results, and planned activities, ensuring a coordinated and strategic approach to implementation.

Particular attention was given to adopting a risk-based approach to combating money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF), as well as identifying areas for targeted support and capacity-building. The discussions also highlighted the importance of adapting responses to emerging financial crime threats and strengthening cooperation among institutions.

In their opening remarks, Giulia Re, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, and Aurele Cotton, Program Manager at the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, emphasized the importance of reinforcing Albania’s institutional and regulatory framework, especially in the context of Albania’s on-going sixth round mutual evaluation by MONEYVAL.

Albanian representatives actively contributed by sharing insights, experiences, and priorities from their respective sectors. They reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the project’s objectives and to further strengthening national capacities in preventing and combating financial crime.

The Steering Committee will continue to play a key role in overseeing the project’s progress, ensuring effective coordination among stakeholders, and supporting the delivery of planned activities.