Ms Jutta Gützkow, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, met today with Mr Olsian Çela, General Prosecutor, to discuss possibilities for cooperation and support towards the implementation of MONEYVAL recommendations and capacity development activities carried out under the Action against Economic Crime of the joint European Union and Council of Europe Horizontal Facility II programme.

The General Prosecutor highlighted that the fight against economic crime, money laundering and effectiveness of asset recovery are among the key priorities of the Prosecution Office. Discussions focused on the effectiveness of asset recovery and asset management offices and capacity development for economic crime sections in the district prosecution offices.

Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation.

Fight against corruption and organised crime is considered fundamental to increase the trust in the rule of law and democracy in Albania. The European Union and Council of Europe joint Horizontal Facility II programme, and its Action against Economic Crime in Albania are closely working with the Albanian authorities in strengthening anti-corruption and anti-money laundering measures and countering terrorist financing regimes in accordance with European and other international standards.