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EU and UNDP bring US equipment to Albania in fight against arms trafficking

2025-07-02 15:06:00, Aktualitet CNA

As part of the ongoing efforts in the fight against the illicit possession, misuse and trafficking of firearms, ammunition and explosives, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through SEESAC, today delivered specialized equipment to the Albanian State Police.

The handover ceremony, organized in Tirana, was attended by Besfort Lamallari, Deputy Minister of Interior and Chairman of the SALW Commission, Senior Officer Sokol Bizhga, Deputy Director General of the Albanian State Police, André Rizzo, Chargé d'Affaires of the EU Delegation to Albania, and Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative in Albania.

"This valuable donation is not just support for our police forces. It is a testament to the strong partnership between the Government of Albania, the European Union and our implementing partner, UNDP, to contribute to regional security and move forward on our path towards EU integration," said Deputy Minister of Interior Lamallari.

The donated equipment has a total value of 1,192,782 US dollars and was funded by the European Union, following an assessment of the operational needs of the Border Police and Criminal Police services in Albania.

"The support we have received from our international partners, more specifically from SEESAC through UNDP and European Union funding, has been crucial in several areas: improving legislation, increasing analytical and operational capacities, creating specialized structures and strengthening regional cooperation. Today we are receiving a package of high-tech equipment, which will be used by the Border Police and the Criminal Police. This investment is direct, necessary and well-targeted, and comes after a careful process of assessing the needs by our own experts, in cooperation with partners", declared the Deputy Director General of the State Police, Senior Manager Sokol Bizhga.

“The EU remains a steadfast and reliable partner in its efforts to support the Albanian authorities through a clear commitment: to help build a safer and more secure region. Albania has made significant progress, particularly in the fight against illicit arms trafficking and in enhancing institutional coordination. Today’s ceremony of handing over specialized equipment to the Albanian Border Police and Criminal Police, in the context of small arms and light weapons (SALW) control, is a concrete result of our joint efforts and a symbol of our continued partnership”, said André Rizzo, Chargé d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Albania.

Metal detectors, thermal cameras and X-ray scanners, as well as explosives and crime scene kits, are all valuable equipment that will strengthen the ability of Albanian authorities to collect evidence, conduct investigations, and prevent and respond to firearms incidents more effectively.

“With the strategic support of the European Union, UNDP, through SEESAC, is delivering specialized equipment to the Albanian State Police, thus strengthening the capacities of the Border and Migration Department, as well as the Criminal Police. This equipment increases detection capabilities, streamlines forensic analysis and improves Albania’s efforts to combat illicit arms trafficking and respond to emergencies, as well as underscores our shared commitment to building safer communities and addressing the profound impact of small arms and light weapons across the region,” said UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis.

This support is financed by the European Union through Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/2111, amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/381. /CNA